Course Description
By the time we reach old age, like 65, most of us would have already experienced many life changing events. While life may be full of hope and promise during young adulthood with achieving many of our lifelong dreams, the opposite is true as we become seniors. At 65, many of us already have, or are considering retirement in a few years. Many will have some chronic illness. Some of us may have lost our life long partners, or now “empty nesters.” Some of our peers or close friends may have already passed away. At this stage in life, it is not unusual to think about our own mortality. It is not unusual for seniors to “worry” and ask themselves what will the next few years of their life be like when they can no longer take care of themself. This is anticipatory grieving. Anticipatory grief is a strong feeling of emotional loss before the actual event happens. The cumulation of losses experienced by the elderly such as a loss of a partner, chronic illness, loss of independence due to debility can result in anticipatory grieving and depression. It is not uncommon for older adult patients to consider preparing for their own death when facing a health crisis. The elderly can eventually become depressed as a result of these cumulative life changing losses.
Learning Objectives
- Explore why cumulative life changing losses can make the elderly person prone to anticipatory grief.
- Review the data or incidence of depression among the elderly.
- Review the risk factors for depression in the elderly.
- Describe anticipatory grief during a health crisis.
- Review Kubler- Ross five stages of grief.
- List common symptoms of depression in the elderly.
- Review screening tools for depression.
- Look into the suicide rates among the elderly.
- Explore ways how the elderly can protect their mental health.