Gay Byrne Calls On Older Irish People To Look After Their Mental Health

Broadcaster Gay Byrne launched a new campaign to raise awareness of depression and the importance of mental health in later life. The campaign, by Lundbeck (Ireland) Ltd and supported by Age and Opportunity, is targeting older people who may be reluctant to talk to their doctors about their mental health. Many factors can trigger a period of depression. Research undertaken earlier this year shows that 79% of older people feel that losing friends and close relations to illness would definitely or probably lead to depression.1


"Depression can affect people at any age, young or old," said Professor Brian Lawlor, Consultant in OId Age Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin and St James' Hospital. "While some people may view it as an inevitable part of aging, this is certainly not the case. It is important that older people should discuss their mental health and emotional wellbeing with their GP and not feel embarrassed about it. Sometimes we see older people being very stoical and not wanting to admit a weakness but mental health is as important as physical health and must be maintained."


Over one third of older people (37%) feel that it is a struggle to keep depression at bay. Interestingly, the average view of older men is considerably more positive than that of women, with older women admitting to greater age-related mental health challenges.


Getting older inevitably means a change in roles and lifestyle such as children leaving home, retirement, the development of physical health problems, experiencing bereavements or moving to a nursing home. These stressful life events can trigger feelings of loneliness and isolation and can lead to depression. Mobility can become limited which results in a loss of independence, possibly resulting in a spouse or child becoming the carer. This forced change of role in life can lead to an individual feeling depressed.


Mr Gay Byrne, broadcaster, said, "I am delighted to be supporting this wonderful initiative. While we are lucky to live in such a youthful and vibrant country it is important to remember that older people can be overlooked and ignored in society. This can lead to feelings of isolation. I would urge all those over 60 to be proactive about their mental health."


Ms Catherine Rose, CEO of Age and Opportunity said, "Our goal at Age & Opportunity is to create opportunities for people to continue to participate in all aspects of life as they age. We work in a range of areas forging links with local development organisations, arts, sports and education providers so as to create conditions where people can make choices and shape their own lives. Our programmes include, for example, the Bealtaine Festival, which celebrates creativity in older age, and which has been found to improve quality of life of participants and to enhance social connectedness. We endorse the Mind Yourself Depression in Later Life campaign and hope that it will encourage older people, as well as their families, to take a proactive approach to their mental health."


Symptoms of depression may include feeling depressed or low in mood most of the time, a loss of interest or enjoyment in life, feeling anxious, agitated or irritable, feeling guilty, changes to sleeping patterns, change in appetite, feeling tired a lot of the time or low energy levels. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and/or are having any thoughts of suicide or death, talk to a healthcare professional or with groups such as AWARE on low call 1890 303 302.


Lundbeck has produced an information booklet, 'Mind Yourself - Depression in Later Life", to help older people who may have depression.


References


1. Behaviour and Attitudes research, April 2010


This study is based on data from a survey of the adult population, undertaken by Behaviour & Attitudes for Lundbeck. Fieldwork was completed in April 2010 among a nationally representative, quota controlled sample of 1001 adults aged 16+. The sample mirrors the national population structure, based on the census of population, in terms of sex, age region and area of residence, and matches industry-agreed standards in respect of social class. Interviewing was undertaken face to face in-home, and interviewers were closely supervised and monitored. Survey design, fieldwork and analysis conform with the strict quality standards dictated by Behaviour & Attitudes membership of ESOMAR (European Code) and the Market Research Society (UK).