The Experience of Aging, Part IV - Depression and Stress
Decreased mobility, functional impairment, and multiple losses frequently lead to depression. It has been well established in the literature that the suicide rate among people over 65 is higher than any other age group. For more on this serious issue, read the information provided on the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention's Web site.
Chronic and acute health conditions requiring medical attention, a gradual decline in functioning, increased dependency on others, and the need to live in a residential environment that may not be the desire of the elderly individual are extremely stress-producing. Excessive and prolonged stress lowers resistance to viruses and can lead to more acute, chronic, or even life-threatening health problems.
Stress affects the physical body by causing muscular tightness, tension, stiffness and restricted energy flow. Continued stress can lead to muscle spasms, as well as bodily contraction, restricted movement and rigidity. Other signs of stress may include headaches, backache, fatigue, insomnia, stiff neck, cold hands and/or feet, perspiration, shortness of breath, constipation, etc. Physical stress tends to produce more emotional stress, thus setting up a cycle of disease, discomfort, and anxiety which can generate feelings of confusion, frustration, isolation, and vulnerability for the elderly. Such feelings eventually lead to inertia, despondency, withdrawal, and may even lead to a failure to thrive syndrome with gradual deterioration and even death.