Elderly Care

Older people contribute greatly to society in a number of ways, either through volunteer work or by imparting their expertise and knowledge about life to younger generations.

To honor and highlight these invaluable contributions, the International Day of Older Persons is celebrated every year. This day aims to raise awareness about the issues and challenges older people face in today’s world, especially since there are more than 600 million people aged over 60 (2012), and this number is expected to rise to 2 billion in 50 years.

What Affects Mental Health in Older People?

Many social, demographic, psychological and biological factors contribute to and affect a person’s health and mental state, and these factors almost all come together in older people. Examples include:

• Poverty.
• Social isolation.
• Dependence on others.
• Loneliness.

All of these factors have a negative effect on an older person’s health and mental state. Social and family support, on the other hand, helps enhance the dignity of older people and limits the effects of mental health problems in this group.

The Feminization of Aging

It is observed that older women outnumber older men worldwide, so much so that this has come to be called “the feminization of aging.” The health problems and diseases that affect older women differ from those that affect older men, and women usually have a lower income and better social relationships. On the other hand, women are more exposed to depression and dementia than men.

Depression

Depression is one of the main mental health problems older people face. It is a mental disorder that is completely different from the distress everyone feels from time to time, since a temporary feeling of sadness is a normal part of life. In depression, however, the feeling of sadness is not at all proportionate to any external trigger the patient is exposed to.

Mental health doctors say depression is a disease that negatively affects the way a person thinks and behaves, and it affects males, females, the young, adults and the elderly alike. Depression does not distinguish between levels of education, culture or income; everyone is at risk of it.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Older People?

Most people with depression experience a number of symptoms. Symptoms of depression in older people differ slightly from depression in younger people, and they are:

• Feeling low and sad.
• Loss of interest in usual activities.
• Feeling that things that used to bring them pleasure no longer do.
• Weight loss or weight gain.
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much.
• Feeling angry and irritable, or sluggish.
• Crying spells or very intense emotions.
• Feeling extremely tired, with hardly any energy.
• Problems with concentration and decision-making.
• Constant thoughts of death or suicide.
• Depression symptoms occurring together with physical pain.

Failing to diagnose depression correctly in older people, and paying little attention to their health care, makes their condition worse.

What Causes Depression?

Several causes overlap to bring on the symptoms of depression, including:

• Organic causes: changes in some brain chemicals, most importantly serotonin and noradrenaline, which are believed to play an important role in depression when they are deficient.
• Genetic causes: genetic factors for depression have been found in some families. Studies on identical twins have shown that if one twin has depression, the rate of depression in the other twin rises to 70%, and that twin is at risk of depression at some point in their life.
• Environmental causes: such as frequent exposure to violence and psychological or physical abuse, as well as a lot of external pressure with no outlet, which leads to a feeling that life is pointless. These are among the most important causes of depression.

However, it should be kept in mind that, despite all of the causes above, depression can occur in a person living a normal life that we may consider ideal and free of problems and pressure. The causes are relative.

What Should an Older Person Do if They Feel Depressed?

If an older person has symptoms of depression, it is essential that they get help. The sooner they get treatment, the faster they will improve.

Always see a doctor promptly and explain how you feel, and ask whether you actually have depression. The doctor may run tests if needed, and may also discuss suitable treatment options with you.

Support from family and friends can be comforting. Try to find someone to talk to about what is happening. If it is hard for you to talk about your feelings, you can spend time with your family, and you will certainly overcome your feeling of frustration.

Dementia

Dementia is also one of the main mental health problems older people face.

Dementia is a syndrome that causes a decline in memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to carry out daily activities. It is not a normal part of aging.

• There are 35.6 million people with dementia worldwide.
• The number of people with dementia will double in the next twenty years, and the number of cases will become 65.7 million people by 2030.
• It may rise to 115.4 million cases by 2050.

Tips for Older People and Their Families to Overcome Health and Mental Health Problems

• It is important to visit the family doctor regularly to detect any health or mental health problems the older person has.
• Encourage older people to take part in family and community life, and to volunteer in social programs in the neighborhood, the mosque and elsewhere.
• Motivate the older person to maintain their weight, to protect them from obesity and other diseases.
• Encourage the older person to read and learn, which helps stimulate brain cells and limits the onset of depression and dementia.
• Make sure the older person takes the medications prescribed by the doctor on time, preferably with a family member present.
• Stop smoking immediately.
• Make sure to eat healthy food that contains all the nutrients the body needs and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Take care of the older person’s oral and dental health, and visit the dentist regularly.
• Avoid the older person being exposed to life stresses.
• Encourage the older person to exercise regularly every day, under medical supervision.

Physical Activity for Older People

What Are the Benefits of Regular Physical Activity?

1. Strengthens the older person’s bones and muscles.
2. Helps with balance.
3. Limits, God willing, the risk of diseases such as heart disease, clots and some types of cancer.
4. Brings a feeling of happiness and comfort, and limits depression.
5. Increases energy levels.
6. Stimulates and strengthens memory, and improves the older person’s mental abilities.

Types of Exercise Older People Do

The preferred types of exercise for older people are walking and swimming.

Medications and the Elderly

The timely use of several medications for longer periods without being needed may expose the patient to danger, especially for the elderly who are 65 years of age and older. These risks may include:

• Falls and fractures.
• Drug interactions.
• Memory impairment.
• Increased possibility of hospitalization and admittance.

Common Medications Used for Longer Periods Than Needed

• Acidity and digestive system medications (proton pump inhibitors).
• Pain relievers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Medications used for constipation (Senna plant).

What Is Always Recommended?

• Ask and consult your doctor about the reason for using the medicine and whether you still need to use it.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you use, whether with a medical prescription or without one, as well as herbal and nutritional supplements.
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting to take supplements that contain medicinal herbs (such as ginseng or ginkgo biloba), because they may be incompatible with other medications.

Health Messages

• Aging is a natural biological process that can not be stopped or prevented; however, it can be slowed down and some bodily weaknesses can be delayed.
• Aging is not a disease, and with simple care and attention many problems and accidents can be avoided.
• It is recommended to exercise daily and to limit the time spent sitting or lying down. Walking is considered one of the best ways to exercise.
• It is preferable to stick to a well-balanced nutritious diet and maintain a healthy weight that is within the normal limits.
• Personal hygiene is essential for the elderly.
• It is advisable to avoid isolation and to stay in contact with relatives and friends to prevent developing any mental illnesses.
• It is essential to avoid smoking at all stages of life.
• Switching from a sitting position to a standing position should be done slowly to avoid sudden dizziness.
• Medications should not be taken without consulting a doctor.

Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Older people are prone to accidents that often lead to fractures and sprains. Two-thirds of the accidents suffered by older people occur in their own homes, such as falling on the ground or down the stairs, which causes fractures in the arms or legs. Such accidents are one of the main causes of disability among the elderly. Some types of disabilities could be treated in a way that limits dangerous accidents.

To limit accidents:

• Good lighting should be provided to limit accidents that occur in hallways.
• It is preferable to avoid placing carpets or plastic items in hallways so that they do not hinder the movement of older people.
• It is advisable to avoid wearing long and loose clothing that could make it difficult to transition from a sitting position to a standing position.
• Home furniture should be arranged in a way that does not hinder the movement of older people.
• Accidents that occur in bathrooms and staircases could be avoided by providing adequate lighting, good ventilation and assisting tools.

International Day of Older Persons

Objectives

• Promote the rights enshrined in the Declaration and what it means in the daily lives of older persons.
• Raise the visibility of older people as participating members of society committed to improving the enjoyment of human rights in many areas of life and not just those that affect them immediately.
• Reflect on progress and challenges in ensuring full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.
• Engage broad audiences across the world and mobilize people for human rights at all stages of life.

Date

• Worldwide: October 1, 2018
• Locally: 21 Muharram 1440 AH

Theme

“Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions.” Older human rights champions today were born around the time of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. They are as diverse as the society in which they live: from older people advocating for human rights at the grass root and community level to high profile figures on the international stage. Each and every one demands equal respect and acknowledgement for their dedication and commitment to contributing to a world free from fear.

Target Group

• Older persons of both genders.
• Government institutions that focus on providing aid for older persons.
• Non-governmental organizations and associations.
• Individuals and families interested in caring for older persons.
• Individuals working in the fields of health care and rehabilitation for older people.
• Health workers in health centers.