Factors Associated with Depression and Low Life Satisfaction in the Low-Income, Frail Elderly

Strengths perspective in social work practice with older adults

“…People under the age of 65 who have conditions more commonly seen in elderly people, such as dementia, are included in this group (British Columbia Ministry of Health Services, 2002). Several factors place older individuals at risk for development of mental illness, particularly depressive syndromes: demographic variables such as female gender, being 70 years old or older, loss of financial resources, and loss of social support network (Rogers, 1999). Other factors include chronic and acute stressors resulting from multiple losses and lack of social support (Rogers, 1999).…”

“…Several factors place older individuals at risk for development of mental illness, particularly depressive syndromes: demographic variables such as female gender, being 70 years old or older, loss of financial resources, and loss of social support network (Rogers, 1999). Other factors include chronic and acute stressors resulting from multiple losses and lack of social support (Rogers, 1999). A particularly salient issue facing seniors, especially older, more frail seniors, is maintaining optimal physical health, which may assist in preventing mental health problems.…”

“…A particularly salient issue facing seniors, especially older, more frail seniors, is maintaining optimal physical health, which may assist in preventing mental health problems. Researchers have found that a diagnosis of mental illness is often Chapter One: Literature Review accompanied by one or more physical aliments (Rogers, 1999). Particularly, depression frequentl y accompanies episodes of serious physical illness and/or injury (Beaver & Miller, 1992).…”

“…Lack of attention to mental health needs of the elderly, relative to younger adults and children, is reflected in the dearth of education, literature, and services in this area (Rogers, 1999).…”

“…Lack of life satisfaction has been associated with many mental health problems in the older age such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder (Saul & Saul, 1990). Also, elders who have a higher level of life satisfaction tend to be less depressed and to adjust better to changes and transitions commonly experienced by older people (Rogers, 1999). Depression, in particular, has been identified as one of the most common problems of older people, associated with loss, grief, substance misuse, and related problems (Wallace & O ' Hara, 1992;Mithani & Misri, 1999).…”