Depression is almost a household word these days. People are stressed out about many things, especially those who are getting up in years. There’s a younger generation that works incessantly to succeed financially in a troubled economy. They may not have time to be “depressed,” and certainly youth is on their side. Others are “stressed” because of the lack of employment, while many college grads are disillusioned by joblessness and increasing debt. Then there are the “drop-outs” of society, unwilling to take personal responsibility. They have become dependent upon the welfare system and/or others, having lost any incentive to work. Hopefully, some of them may even be “depressed” over the guilt of laziness and an aimless lifestyle.
As the population ages, however, I think there’s a depression and discouragement that may be unique to the more “seasoned citizens.” Aging has its distinct challenges despite all the “anti-aging” hype and other investment schemes. The typical retirement scenario of 50 years ago is all but passé. Living from a pension and social security checks at 65 is on the decline. Folks are “retiring” without benefits and finding little security in social security. That’s why so many seniors continue working way beyond their so-called retirement years. This has to be depressing to some, especially those who have worked many years just to retire. It would be interesting to know how many folks have despised their job over the years, but took solace in the hope of an enjoyable retirement?
Those dreams have been denied or postponed, creating discouragement and a depressive spirit. What they thought was a “sure thing” in the sunset years, has somehow eluded them. Proverbs says that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Could that be a reference to depression?
It might also be said that many seniors who are well-off financially are still disillusioned. What they expected to do with their money, etc. has not come to pass. Moreover, the amenities they enjoy because of wealth have not brought satisfaction and inner peace. They are finding that money cannot buy what they need the most. The old song had it right when it said, “The best things in life are free.” Now with increasing physical and mental maladies, the aches and pains multiply, along with the medical bills. One might conclude, “It ain’t fair!” In reality, that’s right; but so it is with imperfect people in an imperfect world.
This is only one feature of depression and aging. What about an increasing sense of loneliness, especially when losing a spouse or dear friend? Then there’s the feeling of neglect by family and others, which breeds resentment. Add to that, the many disappointments due to unfulfilled goals-- things that never became reality; also the unwanted “stuff” that happened which might have been avoided. Just focusing on these thoughts is enough to depress or “press down” on the mind; in turn, this can produce an overall state of hopelessness.
This is why many in their later years have turned to the Bible for comfort and direction. While one’s present stage of life may be difficult, saving faith in the Lord fosters hope beyond the grave; this presents a daily challenge to look forward to the future, rather than simply reminiscing about the past. This will go a long way in remedying the emptiness of depression in the present.
There is a definite purpose in the sunset years, whereby we can positively influence those coming behind; after all, the gray hair should count for something! As we face our daily struggles with hope and purpose, we can teach others how to live by our words, actions, and attitude. Let us therefore determine to make a constructive “impression,” rather than succumbing to the slough of “depression!”
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