The Longitudinal Study on the Health of the Elderly in BR carried out by Unicamp revealed symptoms of depression and loneliness in old age: how can we help in old age?
Researchers at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) interviewed nearly 8,000 people over the age of 50 to generate the latest edition of the Longitudinal Study on the Health of Brazilian Elderly People (ELSI-Brazil), including mental health problems. more than a third of the country’s seniors (34%) have it depressive symptomsand 16% feel alone.
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Symptoms like these are four times more common in older Brazilians who report feeling lonely all the time, with the risk of doubling depression due to living alone. In addition to observing the results of the study, FreeGameGuide also spoke with Dr. Natan Chehter, a geriatrician who is a member of the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology and the Estadual Mário Covas Hospital.
Old age and mental health
For ELSI-Brasil, Unicamp researchers surveyed 7,957 people over the age of 50 about how often they feel alone or alone: the answers could be “always,” “sometimes” or “never.” Of them, 34% reported having depressive symptoms and 16% experienced feelings of loneliness. Among those suffering from depression, 33% have always felt lonely.
To check for depressive symptoms, an indirect method is used that evaluates eight behavioral elements, without using the word depression with the patient: when the presence of four of the eight elements associated with the condition is noted, the person is considered to have depressive symptoms.
According to Chehter, it is important to distinguish loneliness from isolation: living alone is an indicator of this social isolation, but not necessarily loneliness. The latter is a feeling of helplessness and abandonment, something subjective that can appear even when we are surrounded by family, friends or other people.
For family members, understand symptoms of depression It can be caused by indirect signs such as weight loss, discouragement and lack of desire to carry out daily activities, changes in sleep, appetite and the like.
The geriatrician also notes that there are several reasons why older adults end up living alone: In short, this happens out of necessity and preference. The need is due to a completely absent or non-existent family, while the preference can occur when the elderly person does not have a good relationship with their family members, opting for isolation.
It is important, adds the doctor, to verify whether living alone is a conscious and authoritative choice. It may be that the elderly person has a condition that worsens his health and reduces his autonomy, in which case company becomes absolutely necessary, but there are those who do not need help and can actually live alone.
Both in the elderly and in the younger ones, this social isolation generated by living alone is a behavior at risk of loneliness and depressive symptoms, and it is important to note the influence of this behavior on health: in many cases, social contact can improve these symptoms, but other aspects related to autonomy of the elderly and their mental health.
How to help an elderly family member who lives alone?
According to Chehter, the main thing to improve care for an elderly relative who feels lonely is to be present – not necessarily live together, when this is not necessary. Worrying about your family member, even from a distance, supervising their daily activities can help improve symptoms, sending messages and calling them frequently, trying to visit them when possible.
This, of course, when closer assistance is not absolutely necessary, in the event that a family member needs to administer medications, help the elderly person eat safely (eating very little, for example) and carry out other essential activities. everyday life. When this is not possible it is necessary to resort to social services, neighborhood associations, social institutions or even the paid services of carers or nursing homes.
In short, family members must give due importance and attention to the issue to guarantee support and a sense of protection for their elderly relatives. In terms of mental health, we repeat the well-known and common but essential advice for maintaining a healthy body and mind: regular exercise, recreational and social activities, healthy eating and distancing from vices like drinking and smoking.
Source: International Journal of Epidemiology
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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