Depression strikes one out of 4 people worldwide, but it's in incidence among the elderly is very high. They suffer from loneliness and ill-health, and a feeling of not being needed.
This only aggravates the symptoms of depression

    

Depression can occur to anyone but there are more chances of depression occurring more in elders due to a few reasons.At the old age they feel lonely and also feel that thay are burden on their children.Sime people do not respect their elders can torture them mentally by giving stress to their mental health.Hence they get into depression and lose their mind control and start to behave in an awkward manner.They tend to minimize thier talks and also get angry very early.Help your elder people as they have guided you throughout your life.Thanks.

This thread is a few months old, but it hits home for me because my grandmother became very depressed as she got older. She would always say that she "lost her place" in life, although we always tried to assure her that she meant a lot to us. I feel awful because her last few years were sad ones.

My foster mom was always independent and did things on her own.Both she and my mother in law who both have passed on now.

When the last few months arrived I dealt with her feeling of deep depression.She had never been suicidal before,ever.But she would get real down and overwhelmed.

Try to be as compassionate as possible.They need our understanding.It breaks my heart to see our loved ones go through this.

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My grandfather has been suffering from Alzheimers for almost three years now. My grandmother has been very strong, but it is becoming obvious that she is depressed. Not that she will talk about herself, but I just feel so badly for her.

According to Erik Erikson's stages of Human Development

Integrity vs. Despair


* This phase occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life.

* Those who are unsuccessful during this phase will feel that their life has been wasted and will experience many regrets. The individual will be left with feelings of bitterness and despair.

* Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. These individuals will attain wisdom, even when confronting death.

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