SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE OTHER SIDE OF MERRY CHRISTMAS & SEASON'S GREETINGS.

The dynamics cited in the 2011 article,  Ethnic Disparities Persist in Depression Diagnosis, Treatment, still strike a chord especially as the holidays approach.  Unfortunately, this issue remains just as relevant today and more than likely will be a cause of  concern for many years to come.  The focus of the article was on the provision of mental health services and the shortcomings of system delivery especially with people of color.  Granted, some would argue cultural and religious concepts as contributing factors to the latter.  However, the conundrum becomes how does society solve the escalating needs of baby boomers and  funding for these services. To add insult to injury, the available programs have undergone recent significant cuts.  We must face the fact that these programs are usually of low priority when budgets are constructed to meet the needs of our citizens.   As a consequence these circumstances have an adverse impact on seniors and other marginalized groups.

Why belabor this?  Many of us are celebrating the birth of "Christ" and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. A likely response would be that this is an opportune time given that we are more attentive to those who are 'less fortunate'.  The act of giving is more pronounced during this time of the year. And according to the scriptures, Jesus made assistance and service to the poor, infirmed and marginalized the core of his teachings. There are band-aid approaches and I'm thankful for those efforts; though gaps in reaching the truly needy are widening. Through no fault of their own, seniors have lost their pensions and their jobs, and have been forced into early retirement. I can't help but wonder if escalated and more direct action measures to improve service delivery for those marginalized groups in our society (seniors for the sake of this argument) via the political, medical and social network systems are in order.    My point is  that solution-focused strategies are necessary and we must follow up on how effective they are as we continue to try to improve the quality of life for those who've given so much to society during their wage earning years.  Mobilization efforts are just as important on the local level as well as the national arena.
 

It is so disheartening to watch seniors struggle with mounting bills/expenses due either to health or cost of living issues. Their quality of life diminishes and depression and isolation become a way of life. This viewpoint has been addressed in previous posts within a macro perspective.  On a more interpersonal level, the video interview featuring Dr. Audish provides actual steps on what extended families, home health caretakers, and others in the helping professions can do to enhance service delivery for the elderly especially during the holiday season.  Memories of previous celebrations, death or estrangement of friends/key family members and the inability to function as they did in past take a disturbing toll on their emotional and physical health if ignored or untreated.    For those who are stubborn due to cultural or religious beliefs or too depressed to take advantage of the Dr.'s suggestions, there is a link provided on treatment for depression in the home and healthcare facilities.  I would be remiss if I didn't express appreciation for those in the clergy who are licensed counselors skilled in providing  medical interventions with spiritual guidance.  This also lends to seniors becoming more receptive to treatment options. 
 
Addendum:
This article by no means suggests that there are an alarming  number of seniors who don't have the wherewithal, means and support systems when it comes to mental health and medical interventions.  My contention is that as we sit at that table of good mental health and plenty; we should do all we can to make sure that a significant number are seated as well. With that said:

 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Artist:  Thomas Blackshear 

                                                               
 Links:
 Holiday Blues and Depression in the Elderly
Home Depression Treatment Eases Symptoms Relationships and the Aging Process