may begin to experi- ‘ence s of interest like a. ‘Many will accept’ these nptoms asa natural part of | _but:they, may be sug- older — these might be symp- ms of depression. . . *Seniors should not accept. ;depression as part of aging,” id Dr. Robin Reesal of the Western. .Canada_ Behavior as we age. _Chronic |. illness and "decreased mobility, living on pension or retirement ‘income, and dealing with iso- lation and the loss of loved- ones can leave some: seniors feeling vulncrable and unable to cope. MISDIAGNOSED - AND UNTREATED Studies have shown : that 50 to 90 per cent of depres- sion cases go undiagnosed in medical practices. Why is depression so’ often over- - looked in seniors? . Reesal . says many were raised in a time when those with emotional troubles were seen as ‘weak’ or hav- ing a character flaw. “Those suffering with depressive symp- toms might feel ashamed to admit them, or may deny the symptoms altogether,” he says. Furthermore, family mem- bers can be too quick to dis- miss signs. of depression in seniors as the fizst. Signs of senility. Family members ¢ or spous- es can often miss depression in their loved ones because many | depressed seniors ‘mask’. or cover-up their ‘depression with physical com- plaints. People — suffering with depression may more likely complain about frequent wak- “Studies have shown that 50 to 96 per cent of depression cases go undiagnosed in medical practices.” ening at night, fatigue, body aches and pains and a loss of ty thinking, concentrating, appetite, rather than emo- Sunday, August 25, 1996 - North Shore News ~ 23 tional troubles. Ps.chological symptoms can also arise that might sug- gest depression. Seniors suffering with depression might expe- rience a depressed mood for most of the day, loss of interest or pleasure, social with- drawal, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and some might have difficul- making decisions or worrying about little things. If any or all of these syinp- toms persist for two weeks or more, you should speak to a healthcare professional, DEPRESSION CAN . BE TREATED Treatments are available to seniors suffering with depres- sion. Counseling, short-term . medication (anti-depressants) ~ or a combination of both can be effective. Snain, Morocco ¢ Portuga : Tour. Research Centre. “With med- re inns: October 12 - Novonbe 2, 1096 (20 days) ) Evergreen Tours | on For the mature traveller . Madrid, Toledo, tordoba, Granada, hias, Sevile, Fez, _ Marrakesh, Rabat, Tangler, ebraltar, r Algarve, Lisbon “Tours in United Siates » Arizona Deserts & Canyons ~© Califomia Christmas... Canyon Lancs/New Mexico Hawaiian 4 Island Holiday Leavenworth Stars & Lights: Leavenworth Christmas... « New Years in Oregon - * Palm Springs & Las Vegas * Nevada & California ‘Tours in Canads “6 Christmes in‘ Harrison ® Christmas in Parksville Christmas in Victoria: Easter in The Rockies... depression in'seniors: Medical: include: biochemical ~ CarlsonWagonlit es Tiel _ $65 Park Royal North 927-4191 ae North Shore. Home Support 24 hour’ services include: ce Bathing & Personal Care ae Housekeeping iwanis Parkway Place, a new , 192 ied multi-level jong term: care . facility, is currently,’ under “2s construction on the south side of Mount Seymour * arkway at Berkley Road. This modern’ ’ facility : will’: “replace the long tenn care facilities at Kiwanis: Lynn. : Manor in North Vancouver and Kiwanis Lodge in West ” Vancouver. It will also include a large volunteer area for general community use. ae Companionship wy Relief for Caregivers _ i Meal Programs it Medical Alert i Horne Nursing & Adult Day Programs. #! Mental Health Support 242 Support to Persons with - Disabilities It's familiar, comfortable and full. of memories, people, pets and belong- :| ings that make: it special.. on selected Vacation For: more than 45 years the North Vancouver Kiwanis companies have provided housing and care to seniors in the community. This would not have been possible without the support of the North Shore community and, ~ once again, we are asking for your assistance in the form of donations toward the $115,000 cost of providing the community space for seniors at Kiwanis Parkway Place. ; Please make donations to help provide this space that will & . ‘ ee # ‘enable volunteers to better serve the North Shore seniors | ae Community Since 1963 community. # Shopping & Errands ‘Si Child Care North Shore Home Support Services wishes to thank all those wh: generously responded to heir recent request - for donations. Official tax. receipts will be issued for all donations. Donations ‘of $100 or more. will be recognized on the _ donor board in the Kiwanis Parkway community room. Donations should be made, for , : Kiwanis Care Home Society eee: Mac. Chappell, Executive Director | 2555 Whiteley Court Nowth Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3G9 ra Pleasé“consider making a tax deductible’ contribution to this exciting and worthwhile project.