问答题

问答题 Contrary to what many people think depression is not a normal part of growing older. Nor is it harder to treat in older people. But it is often harder to recognize and harder to get patients to accept and continue with treatment.
"Most people think sadness is a hallmark of depression," Bruce said. "But more often in older people it's anhedonia—they're not enjoying life. They're irritable and cranky. /

问答题 She added: "Many older people despair over the quality of their lives at the end of life. If they have a functional disability or serious medical illness, it may make it harder to notice depression in older people. "
Family members, friends and medical personnel must take it seriously when an older person says "Life is not worth living," "I don't see any point in living," "I'd be better off dead" or "My family would be better off if I died," the experts emphasized.
"Listen carefully, empathize and help the person get evaluated for treatment or into treatment," Brown urged.

问答题 He warned that "depressed older adults tend to have fewer symptoms" than younger adults who are depressed.
The ideal approach, of course, is to prevent depression in the first place.

问答题 Brown recommended that older adults structure their days by maintaining a regular cycle and plan ning activities that "give them pleasure, purpose and a reason for living. "
He suggested "social activities of any type—joining a book club or bowling league, going to a senior center or gym, taking courses at a local college, hanging out at the coffee shop. "
Bruce suggests taking up a new interest like painting or needlework or volunteering at a place of worship, school or museum.

问答题 Brown notes that any activity the person is capable of doing can help to ward off depression and suicidal thinking. And he urges older people to talk to others about their problems.