It is a time of many changes, and often includes difficulties adjusting to, or negotiating the environment differently than what is familiar.
Children are away from home, sometimes across the country and roles or one's status have changed.
The frequency of social interactions may be decreased due to various reasons, and the ability to utilize resources may be deficient. V arious cultures treat the aged without respect and some neighborhoods are actually dangerous where the vulnerable elderly person falls prey. America is a youth oriented culture and the elderly may feel 'left out' or 'ignored'. Values and beliefs may conflict between generations and cause further separation, isolation and decrease available attachments so necessary to the elderly. T here are many social-environmental issues that may contribute to depression in the elderly.