Depression and Suicidal Ideations in Older Adults

Abstract

With advancing age, older adults are usually faced with psychological challenges as a result of intense feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and loss, leading to depression and, consequently, suicidal ideations. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which erodes quality of life, negatively affecting the health and well-being of older adults. Suicidal thoughts and ideas occur to depressed people in an attempt to find a long-term solution to their problems. The older adult population has a notably high prevalence of depression and suicidal ideations. However, adequate social support, relationships, and networks, early medical interventions, etc., have been found to be important factors influencing depression and suicidal thoughts. This chapter examines depression and suicidal ideations among older adults in relation to prevalence, causes, and the role of social support and physical activity as possible management strategies. Studies have reported and recommended early major depression diagnosis and treatment as a means of lowering the risk of suicide.