In an article by the Time Colonist, “Seniors and depression: On a ‘shrinking island’” Amy Smart discusses the prevalence of depression in the senior population throughout Vancouver Island and its correlation with several determinants of health. Although many determinants of health are of influence, this paper will focus on the effects of social support networks and economic and social status on the risk factor of depression and suicide among the senior population. Aiming to discuss the non-publically acknowledged fact that Vancouver Island communities account for the highest rates of depression in our Province, which often leads to suicides (Mckinley, 2016).
The Risk Factor of Depression and Suicide Amongst Seniors
In any Vancouver Island …show more content…
An organization in our community that provides social interactions, exercise, education and nutrition at low costs for seniors is Campbell River FETCH (2016). Individuals 55 and older can access various activities at a cost of 15 dollars a year (FETCH, 2016). Some of the many services provided are nutritious meals at a low cost, and programs focused on “wellness, recreational, educational or social needs” (FETCH, 2016). Seniors with low income may also apply to the Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program (BC Housing, 2016). This program provides financial aids for housing equipment to promote “mobility, safety, and independence” (BC Housing, 2016). The HAFI, helps seniors financially and mentally by lowering risks of depression due to isolation or lack of independence. Promoting seniors’ health from another direction is the Seniors’ Mental Health Initiative provided by the government of Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Canadian Coalition for Senior’s Mental Health (Shoppers Drug Mart, 2016). Pharmacists at Shoppers Drug Mart are able to provide primary as well as secondary interventions by the use of continuous education training regarding seniors’ depression and suicide prevention (Shoppers Drug Mart, 2015). Their goal is to “ help seniors [and their families] detect symptoms of mental illness and access treatment” (Shoppers Drug Mart, 2015). Social opportunities at a low cost, financial support for home improvement equipment and education about seniors’ mental illness are interventions currently implemented for
The Risk Factor of Depression and Suicide Amongst Seniors
In any Vancouver Island …show more content…
An organization in our community that provides social interactions, exercise, education and nutrition at low costs for seniors is Campbell River FETCH (2016). Individuals 55 and older can access various activities at a cost of 15 dollars a year (FETCH, 2016). Some of the many services provided are nutritious meals at a low cost, and programs focused on “wellness, recreational, educational or social needs” (FETCH, 2016). Seniors with low income may also apply to the Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program (BC Housing, 2016). This program provides financial aids for housing equipment to promote “mobility, safety, and independence” (BC Housing, 2016). The HAFI, helps seniors financially and mentally by lowering risks of depression due to isolation or lack of independence. Promoting seniors’ health from another direction is the Seniors’ Mental Health Initiative provided by the government of Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Canadian Coalition for Senior’s Mental Health (Shoppers Drug Mart, 2016). Pharmacists at Shoppers Drug Mart are able to provide primary as well as secondary interventions by the use of continuous education training regarding seniors’ depression and suicide prevention (Shoppers Drug Mart, 2015). Their goal is to “ help seniors [and their families] detect symptoms of mental illness and access treatment” (Shoppers Drug Mart, 2015). Social opportunities at a low cost, financial support for home improvement equipment and education about seniors’ mental illness are interventions currently implemented for