Guest Author - Maria Hester, M.D.

Depression is an extremely common condition. Some people suffer bouts of depression in response to a major life event, such as the death of a loved one. Others suffer from depression for prolonged periods of time for no seemingly apparent reason. While many factors can play a role in depression, we will explore a few of the more common circumstances in life which may be responsible for sustaining this condition among senior citizens.

Declining health
Everyone is subject to the uncertainties associated with medical illnesses. Being given an unpleasant diagnosis can bring down the cheeriest of individuals. Some people develop acute, curable conditions, such as an inflamed gallbladder that is cured by removing the diseased organ, or the gallbladder in this case. Others are diagnosed with more chronic, incurable, but treatable conditions, such as COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In this instance, the individual may have few, if any, medical needs or may require frequent hospitalizations to control acute exacerbations of their condition. In the latter case, it is easy to see why a person could become depressed over her illness.

For instance, some people with COPD require home oxygen around-the-clock. They become short of breath within minutes of taking off their oxygen. Naturally, this type of illness limits their ability to go places and do things that they would otherwise do. As a result, those activities that once brought a great deal of pleasure may, of necessity, be completely removed from their lives leaving them with a sense of emptiness, a void that nothing else seems to fill.

Financial struggles
In this time of skyrocketing fuel costs, soaring health care costs, and escalating food bills the fear of being unable to take care of basic necessities can be overwhelming, especially for those living on a fixed income. It is one thing for those who are young and healthy to go out and get a second or even a third job, as painful as that may be. It is an entirely different thing to find yourself unable to earn the additional income you need to buy food, put fuel in your car, or even pay your mortgage.

Loneliness
While some people enjoy their privacy and consider solitude their closest friend, most people enjoy the company others; they enjoy the laughter of friends and family and the sheer joy of spending time in the midst of other individuals with whom they can share their thoughts and feelings.

As we grow older, we find that those who have meant the world to us for decades are no longer with us. Some people pass away and others move away, leaving us feeling alone and empty.

I wish I had an answer for all of these things, but, unfortunately, I do not. However, there are things that we can do to lessen the impact of the above factors in our lives. For instance, living a healthful lifestyle can go a long way at warding off a host of illnesses. Obtaining the services of a financial planner or other similar professionals can help us understand how to save, invest, and spend our money in the wisest ways possible. Finally, getting out of the house and attending activities at a local senior center, taking regular walks through the park, or even joining a book club are ways in which we can add a little zest to our lives.