According to a new National Health Research Institutes survey, there are over 600,000 seniors suffering from depression in Taiwan. However, only 27 percent of seniors with depression seek treatment. Without timely intervention, seniors deteriorate quickly and die earlier.
In just three years, Taiwan will officially become a super-aged society in which one in every five people is over the age of 65. While Taiwan has a relatively high life expectancy, seniors are not experiencing healthy and happy final years. According to a new National Health Research Institutes survey, there are over 600,000 seniors suffering from depression in Taiwan.
Wu Chi-hsin, Associate Researcher, National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research: “As their bodies break down from chronic diseases, their risk of depression goes up. Another reason is the financial hardship people find themselves facing after retirement.”
According to NHRI researchers, signs of depression include loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss, and negative or suicidal thoughts. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, they could indicate depression. However, only 27 percent of seniors with depression seek medical treatment.
Wu Chi-hsin, Associate Researcher, National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research: “Research shows that people with depression have a higher death rate of two to three times. Secondly, untreated depression can lead to the manifestation of other diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.”
The research team says the reason few seniors seek treatment for depression could be lack of awareness of depression symptoms or fear of loss of face. Apart from a regular daily routine and movement, social activities can help prevent depression in seniors.
根據國發會統計，台灣再過3年，2025年即將邁入超高齡社會，也就是平均每5人就有1人超過65歲，但老人活得長壽卻不見得健康快樂。國衛院最新調查發現，當長者隨年紀增長，受到身體疾病及腦部退化再加上情緒影響，很容易有憂鬱症，全台高齡憂鬱症患者約有60萬人。
國衛院高齡醫學暨健康福祉研究中心副研究員吳其炘表示：「跟這個身體的疾病越多，有憂鬱症的機會是越高的，事實上很多人是在退休之後，整個經濟狀況下滑也是一個重要的原因。」
國衛院研究團隊表示如果長者情緒低落且出現吃不下、睡不著及體重減輕等生理現象，甚至出現自殺等負面思考這3項症狀持續2週以上，就是憂鬱症的警訊，但台灣中高齡憂鬱症就醫率偏低，只有2成7。
國衛院高齡醫學暨健康福祉研究中心副研究員吳其炘指出：「憂鬱症的患者比起沒有憂鬱症的人，事實上第1點就是他的死亡率是比較高的，過去的研究發現他死亡率是一般人的2到3倍，那第2個，憂鬱症沒有治療的話也容易衍生其它的疾病，例如說高血壓、糖尿病。」
研究團隊指出，多數高齡憂鬱症未就醫原因，可能來自於對憂鬱症認知不足，不清楚憂鬱症是需要治療的，或是擔心汙名化。預防老人憂鬱症方法，除了維持正常作息和規律運動，也要多參與社交活動，身心健康老化才能避免老人憂鬱症上身。
