KEEPING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH AS WE AGE

Description of the Program

“Keeping Good Mental Health As We Age”  involves the presenting of Educational Programs at various sites in Kay County about depression among seniors—its symptoms and treatment options—and the fact that depression is not a normal (expected) part of growing older, although many older adults do experience it.

Purpose/Need for the Program

The purpose of these programs is to help older adults in the community increase their knowledge about depression and become aware of some things they can do to keep good mental health as they age.  Depression among seniors is often triggered by the many life changes that can occur with age—especially losses (spouse, friends, hearing, etc.) and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cancer.

Clinical Depression affects up to 25% of all adults 65 and older.  Older adults with significant symptoms of depression have about 50% higher health care costs than those who are not depressed. Many older adults do not know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression or that, if reported, it can be treated successfully in more than 80% of all cases.

How to Become a Volunteer with this Program

If you are interested in being a volunteer with this program and helping with these community educational presentations on depression, please contact RSVP Director Rocky Hudson at 762-9412.  Your help would be very much appreciated.