Isolation, illness, loss of family members and friends, changes in one's social support system, and physical disability can all contribute to depression among the elderly. Too often the signs of depression go unnoticed or are attributed to the aging process. Depression is not a natural result of aging. If untreated, depression can hinder a person's ability to eat, sleep, concentrate on tasks, and fight off illness. Depressive symptoms can increase a person's risk of heart disease and have been linked to an increased risk of death in hospitalized older patients.
Depression is treatable.
More than 80 percent of people who receive treatment experience significant improvement. Common treatments include psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, and psychosocial interventions. Music Therapy Studies have demonstrated that music therapy can lessen symptoms of depression. In the elderly, music can help maintain or enhance a person's level of physical, mental, social, and emotional functioning. It can relieve stress, and improve mood.