Editorial

Bereavement, Depression, and Our Growing Geriatric Population

Authors: Glenn Catalano, MD

Abstract

The population of the United States is in great flux. In the 1970s and 1980s, as the baby boomer generation grew up, the majority of citizens were young, healthy, and often acted in the role of care provider to their loved ones. Today, as that generation ages, the populace is becoming more elderly, more medically unstable, and more likely to require care from family and social institutions. This cohort is now beginning to experience other difficulties associated with aging as well. The loss of a spouse or companion can be devastating, and this can be a major turning point in these patients' lives. In fact, it is estimated that 51% of women and 14% of men will be widowed at least once after age 65.1 When bereavement is experienced in an appropriate manner, the patient can grieve their loss, fondly reminisce about shared experiences, and eventually move on through their developmental journey. They may spend time concentrating on their grandchildren, they may become involved in a cause they believe in, or they may mentor a young person with similar interests. However, when grief is complicated, it may become sufficiently severe as to induce any number of poor outcomes. These can include delayed or prolonged grief, suicidal ideations, new onset of psychotic symptoms, or the development of a major depressive episode.1

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References

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