Connection and Commitment

Connection and Commitment:

The Keys to Warding Off Senior Depression

 If you read magazines or watch television to any degree at all you can’t help but notice that Madison Avenue has a slavish obsession with youth and its preservation. I believe that this is a reflection of how our society treats its older members. It wants to forget about them. We have become a drain on resources and can no longer contribute to the culture’s well being. Terry Jones in his book "The Elder Within" judges how modern a society is by how badly it treats its older members. A consequence of this theme is the epidemic of old age depression prevalent today. So what can we do about it? We can re-commit and re-connect to life.

Crowley and Lodge, MD in their book, ironically titled, "Younger Next Year"offer a number of suggestions. They present the concept that humans are social creatures who are hard wired in their brain structure to "pack" together. This isn’t just for physical survival. It plays a significant role in our emotional and mental health.

Research shows that single men die before married men. The angriest men have four times the mortality rate after a heart attack as the happiest guys. Returning home to an empty house after the first heart attack doubles the risk of a second heart attack. The message is clear isolation and its attendant depression are killers.

First, take the time to play. Right, I said play. Play with others; golf leagues, card clubs, bowling. Use play to meet new people and continually form new connections. We did it as kids and we can do it as older adults.

Do not underestimate the crucial value of friends to be able to talk with; about anything and everything. We have to listen to each other. That’s what connecting is all about.

Re-committing is about re-discovering that all important reason for being, putting meaning back into our lives. Don’t overlook the value of the spiritual side of life. The ability to recognize the concept of a power greater than ourselves and find meaning is a powerful means to emotional well being.

Grandparents definitely have a leg up here. Just remember that your job first and foremost is to love those grandkids. Let their parents raise them; we get the fun part.

Lastly, if you are in a loving relationship re-commit with vigor. If you don’t have one find one. Get a dog and lavish attention on it.

Nietzsche said" He who has a why to live for can bear almost anyhow …."

Mike Josephson MA TLLP

Center for Creative Living

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