Abstract
Older adults in the United States face many issues in their lives. One specifically observed in the Ozarks is that of depression. Depression is something that many older adults face. Thing such as loneliness, losing loved ones, and health problems are some reasons ones may feel depressed. Unfortunately, it is often missed and not diagnosed because the symptoms are associated with general old age, or with other health issues. There are limited resources regarding depression and older adults in the Ozarks. There are a few mental health facilities in the Ozarks that offer some help, but there was nothing found that is directly associated with the problem. Older adults account for the second highest suicide rate, men being more likely …show more content…
A solution to this problem is intergenerational programs. These can allow older adults to become involved socially and mentally with other age groups. They will benefit from the interactions, seeing that their wisdom is worthy and also may even learn some new things themselves. Some programs suggested would be tutoring and mentoring, shared cooking and dancing classes. It would allow for older adults to be exposed to things they might otherwise have not been, and vice versa. They could benefit from learning things about technology from young adults and children, while older adults could teach gardening and dancing skills. This type of program would be easily implemented in a variety of different community settings with little to no financial burden. Also, they would be easily accessible because it would not require many outside parties or resources. Because there are so few in the Ozarks to begin with, having programs such as these could not only work to combat depression in older adults, but also be proactive in preventing it to …show more content…
In fact, it is even associated with sunlight. One may experience depression during the time of year when there is less sunlight, so during late autumn and winter months. Because of the feelings of depression, people often times become more reclusive and don’t want to participate in activities they may have found enjoyable during the spring or summer. This may cause someone to gain excess weight, and create feelings of being tired and of low energy. What is different about SAD and major depression is that SAD goes away during other times of year, directly proportional to changing sunlight patterns, whereas major depression does not follow any seasonal patterns and must be present over a two-year span to be diagnosed. (National Institute Mental Health
Older adults in the United States face many issues in their lives. One specifically observed in the Ozarks is that of depression. Depression is something that many older adults face. Thing such as loneliness, losing loved ones, and health problems are some reasons ones may feel depressed. Unfortunately, it is often missed and not diagnosed because the symptoms are associated with general old age, or with other health issues. There are limited resources regarding depression and older adults in the Ozarks. There are a few mental health facilities in the Ozarks that offer some help, but there was nothing found that is directly associated with the problem. Older adults account for the second highest suicide rate, men being more likely …show more content…
A solution to this problem is intergenerational programs. These can allow older adults to become involved socially and mentally with other age groups. They will benefit from the interactions, seeing that their wisdom is worthy and also may even learn some new things themselves. Some programs suggested would be tutoring and mentoring, shared cooking and dancing classes. It would allow for older adults to be exposed to things they might otherwise have not been, and vice versa. They could benefit from learning things about technology from young adults and children, while older adults could teach gardening and dancing skills. This type of program would be easily implemented in a variety of different community settings with little to no financial burden. Also, they would be easily accessible because it would not require many outside parties or resources. Because there are so few in the Ozarks to begin with, having programs such as these could not only work to combat depression in older adults, but also be proactive in preventing it to …show more content…
In fact, it is even associated with sunlight. One may experience depression during the time of year when there is less sunlight, so during late autumn and winter months. Because of the feelings of depression, people often times become more reclusive and don’t want to participate in activities they may have found enjoyable during the spring or summer. This may cause someone to gain excess weight, and create feelings of being tired and of low energy. What is different about SAD and major depression is that SAD goes away during other times of year, directly proportional to changing sunlight patterns, whereas major depression does not follow any seasonal patterns and must be present over a two-year span to be diagnosed. (National Institute Mental Health