Elderly Depression

Do you experience feelings of hopelessness? Have you lost pleasure in activities you once enjoyed? Do you cry more frequently? Have you gained or lost weight? If you have experienced a combination of these symptoms, which have persisted for two weeks or more you may be suffering from depression.One in five Americans live with a mental health conditionor 43.7 million people. 6.9% of adults16 million peoplehave experienced a major depressive episode in the last year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, the 3rd leading cause of death for those aged 1024, and the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 (statistics from the National Alliance of Mental Illness).For the elderly, depression affects 6.5 million of the 35 million adults over the age of 65. The senior population accounts for 20% of all suicides, the highest success rate belongs to senior men. Depression is the leading factor to seniors attempting suicide. Those statistics are staggering and chances are either you or someone you know suffers from depression or another mental health condition.October 10th is Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for mental illness, providing educational resources, as well as reducing the stigma attached to mental illness. Take some time to recognize the warning signs of depression as well as the signs of suicide.Warning Signs of Depression:Persistent sadnessLoss of interestFatigueInsomnia or excessive sleepingFeelings of hopelessness or worthlessnessDecrease in energyDifficulty concentratingIncrease or decrease in appetiteThoughts of death, dying or suicideSlowed thinking, speaking or body movementsIf your or your loved one exhibits these warning signs of depression, seek medical and professional help. Depression is not a normal sign of aging and there are treatment options available.In addition to the warning signs of depression, it is important to pay attention for the following behaviors (suicide warning signs from SAVE- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education).Warning Signs of Suicide:Talk about suicide, e.g. I have nothing left to live for. I wont be a burden on my family much longer. I should just kill myself. Statements of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.Preoccupation with death.Suddenly happier, calmer.Loss of interest in things one cares about.Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about saying goodbyes.Making arrangements; setting ones affairs in order.Giving things away.Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon.Refusal to follow doctor-prescribed medications and/or special diet.If you suspect your loved one is considering suicide the most important thing you can do is to talk with them. Here are a few steps you can take if you are concerned for your loved one.1. Ask Questions. Talking about suicide may seem counter-intuitive. Many people are afraid to ask a loved one whether or not they are thinking about suicide. However, talking with your loved one is the most important thing you can do to assess their thoughts and where they stand. Here are four important questions to help evaluate your loved ones suicide risk:Do you ever think about suicide?If you were to hurt yourself, how would you do it? (The plan/method).Have you thought about when you would do it? (The timeline).Do you have access to what you would use? (Access to method).2. Provide Reassurance. If your loved one is actively considering suicide they need to feel heard and understood. Dont shame them for their thoughts and feelings. Instead, reassure them that there is help and treatment options available.4. Remove Suicide Method. Remove any apparent methods for committing suicide, such as weapons or stockpiled pills.3. Seek Treatment. Help your loved one seek medical and mental health treatment. Immediately, assist your loved one in setting up appointments for a medical evaluation and help your loved one get to the appointment.There is hope, depression can be treated and suicide can be prevented. Know the warning signs and seek treatment options.

In a world increasingly defined by digital interaction, the image of older adults eagerly embracing technology might seem like a recent development. Yet, as we delve deeper into this digital age, it becomes increasingly apparent that seniors are not only adapting to technology but are finding profound ways to leverage it for their social and emotional well-being. Email, text messaging, video conferencing, social mediathese are not just tools of the younger generation. They are lifelines that connect older adults to the people and communities they cherish. While the idea of navigating these digital channels may seem daunting to some seniors, the rewards of staying connected through technology far outweigh the initial fears. One of the most accessible and widely used forms of digital communication for seniors is email. With its simplicity and ubiquity, email has become a staple for staying in touch with loved ones near and far. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 86% of seniors aged 65 and older use email regularly, with many citing it as their preferred method of communication for keeping in touch with family and friends. These statistics are not just impressive; they are a testament to the adaptability and eagerness of seniors to embrace the digital age. And with projections indicating that the number of older adults using email is set to increase by 15% over the next decade, the trend towards digital communication among seniors shows no signs of slowing down. Text messaging, with its brevity and immediacy, has also emerged as a favored mode of communication among seniors. While some may initially balk at the idea of typing on a small screen, the convenience and intimacy of text messaging quickly win them over. According to the same Pew study, 67% of seniors now use text messaging on a regular basis, with usage steadily increasing over the past decade. These figures are not just remarkable; they represent a seismic shift in how seniors are embracing technology to stay connected with their loved ones. And with projections indicating that text messaging among older adults is expected to grow by 20% over the next 10 years, it's clear that seniors are not just catching up with technologythey're leading the way. Video conferencing takes digital communication to a whole new level, offering seniors the opportunity to see and hear their loved ones in real-time. Whether it's a weekly family gathering or a virtual birthday celebration, video calls bring people together in ways that were once unimaginable. A report by AARP found that 42% of adults aged 50 and older use video calling platforms like Zoom or FaceTime to stay connected with family and friends, with usage spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. These statistics are not just impressive; they are a testament to the transformative power of technology in bridging the gap between generations. And with projections indicating that the number of older adults using video conferencing is set to double over the next 20 years, it's clear that virtual communication is here to stay. And then there's social media, the virtual town square where people of all ages come together to share stories, memories, and moments. While some seniors may initially approach social media with skepticism, many quickly discover its potential to reconnect with old friends, discover new interests, and stay informed about the lives of their loved ones. According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of adults aged 65 and older use social media regularly, with Facebook being the most popular platform among this demographic. These figures are not just notable; they represent a paradigm shift in how seniors are engaging with technology to stay connected with the world around them. And with projections indicating that social media usage among older adults is expected to increase by 25% over the next decade, it's clear that seniors are embracing digital communication with open arms. Of course, it's natural for seniors to have concerns about using technology, especially when it comes to online safety and privacy. Just as in the physical world, there are risks and precautions to consider in the digital realm. Seniors must be vigilant about protecting their personal information, avoiding scams, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of online security. But with proper guidance and support, these concerns can be addressed, allowing seniors to reap the benefits of technology without undue worry. Educational resources, community programs, tech-savvy family members, and companies that specifically help older adults and seniors understand and use technology can all play a role in empowering seniors to navigate the digital world with confidence and competence. Ultimately, the benefits of staying connected through technology far outweigh the risks. For seniors, the ability to maintain meaningful relationships, stay informed, and engage with the world around them is worth the effort of learning new skills and adapting to new technologies. Whether it's sending an email, sharing a text message, or joining a video call, every digital interaction is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, foster connection, and enrich the lives of seniors and their loved ones. In an age where technology often dominates the conversation, it's heartening to see older adults not only embracing digital communication but thriving in it. With each virtual hug and digital dialogue, seniors are rewriting the narrative of aging, proving that connection knows no age limits and that the bonds of love and friendship are as strong as ever in the digital age. And with the continued growth and adoption of technology among older adults, the future of senior connectivity has never looked brighter.

Prayer is an amazing topic. At times, it seems like we spend more time talking about prayer than the actual practice of praying.I heard about a man who came to his wife one day with an urgent prayer request from his friend. The man says to his wife that his friend, Fred, called him to pray for his wife Carol and the kids because they were in a car accident.The mans wife says, Is Carol okay? Are the kids okay? To which the man says, I dont know. Fred just asked me to pray. The mans wife says, Which hospital did they take Carol to? Were the other people in the car okay? The husband replies, I dont know. Fred just asked me to pray.Have you been there? You receive a request from a friend to pray, and you spend the entire time analyzing the situation instead of getting on your knees and praying. I get it. I do the same. I want more details.However, it may be best to stop and pray for the other person on the spot. Go ahead and get just enough information to offer a simple prayer.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NIVOf course, you might be intimidated to pray for someone in public. Thats okay as well. If you are interested in the ministry of prayer at Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS), I would suggest that you seek out your campus pastor about training in the Praying Hands Ministry program. Your campus pastor will offer a seminar so you can pray confidently with others when they bring you a prayer request. You wont have to analyze the situation. You will be ready and engaged to pray.Come and prepare to pray for others, and we will develop a culture of prayer at PHS.About Campus Pastor John Cordova: I began serving at Lake Minnetonka Shores in February 2020, just before the Covid pandemic arrived. I fill the role of director of pastoral care, the greatest job ever. I live in Maple Grove with my wife of 40-plus years. We have raised three daughters, and they have given us three wonderful grandsons (hoping for a granddaughter in the future). If we are not with our grandkids, we spend our time socializing with our neighbors.The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.