Clinical Depression: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Factors in Aging Adults
Overview
This paper examines clinical depression in aging adults, distinguishing it from temporary sadness and age-related depression. It analyzes the physical and cognitive changes associated with aging, explores the causes of clinical depression including social factors, and discusses how race, income, family support, and spiritual growth influence mental health outcomes in elderly populations.
What this essay covers
- Physical and cognitive changes in aging adults, including skin elasticity, oil production, reasoning speed, memory loss, and energy decline
- Classification of depression types and characteristics of clinical depression versus age-related sadness
- Social and family factors affecting depression in aging populations, including loneliness, economic status, and family support systems
- Role of spiritual growth and understanding in promoting well-being in elderly individuals
Preview
Clinical Depression
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Clinical Depression
Several physical changes are associated with aging adults. Notably, as a person ages, their skin becomes slightly elastic due to the decrease in fats under the skin. The most typical physical change in aging adults is the reduction in the production of natural oils. Little production of natural oil cause wrinkles and skin tags (Sashitzky, 2020). Cognitive changes that occur during the aging cycles include slower reasoning and decreased performance. As adults age, the speed of performing activities declines due to the low production of energy in the body. Secondly, they will experience a change in verbal ability, accompanied by loss of memory (American Psychological Association, 2012). Depression can be classified into several categories depending on the severity. For example, temporary sadness and severe depression (clinical depression).
Clinical depression is the most severe form of depression, and sometimes it is referred to as a disorder. It is characterized by sadness, loss of pleasure, and anxiety, among other symptoms. It is caused by social factors such as loss of job and divorce. On the other hand, sadness triggered by age is caused by low folate levels in the body. Notably, unlike clinical depression, aging depression is due to physical and cognitive changes in the body (American Psychological Association, 2012). The aging sadness is usually associated with loneliness, especially when the age mates have died or are miles apart. Race and income are some of the social factors that play a significant role in life.