The World Health Organization has found that the Covid-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of, both, anxiety and depression by 25% worldwide. And there has already been some preliminary research that has shown the increase of depression in Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors in the U.S., since the beginning of the War in Ukraine.
In addition, according to the NIH, late life depression, because of its devastating consequences of increased risk of morbidity, increased risk of suicide, and decreased physical, cognitive, and social functioning, is considered a public health problem. Depression in older adults often looks different than it does in younger adults and, because of that, frequently goes unrecognized, misdiagnosed, and under-treated. Understanding the ways in which age may affect the factors associated with depression, how depression (and anxiety) appear in older adults, and strategies for prevention, especially during this stressful time, are all necessary for the physical and emotional well-being of our elderly community.
On April 12, 2022, Dr. Mara spoke with a group of 44 social workers, who work with seniors, from around North America, about recognizing late-life depression and anxiety, as well as strategies for prevention, especially in light of the stresses in the world.
Testimonials:
You can find more strategies for finding inner peace in a stressful world and returning to our passionate selves in her book, The Passionate Life: Creating Vitality & Joy at Any Age, now also available on Audible!
The Passionate Life
NOW available on Audible
