THERAPY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE: WHEN IS IT NECESSARY?

Aging is a natural process, but it presents challenges. According to the World Health Organization, elderly people are more likely to develop diseases such as OSTEOARTHRITIS, DIABETES, DEPRESSION AND DEMENTIA. Therefore, therapy for elderly people is an important part of general health care.

There are different types of therapy that can be beneficial for elderly people, including PHYSICAL THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY. However, mental health needs special attention, as it directly impacts physical health and vice versa. Elderly people with health problems are at greater risk of developing depression, according to the World Health Organization.

SIGNS OF THE NEED FOR THERAPY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE

According to the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, there are signs that serve as a warning for the mental health of elderly people:

RECURRENT CRYING;

SADNESS WITHOUT REASON;

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL GOODS WHILE STILL LIFE;

VERBALIZATION OF NEGATIVE PHRASES such as: “NOBODY NEEDS ME ANYMORE”, “I DON’T WANT TO BOTHER ANYONE”, “I’M TIRED OF LIVING”, “I’VE ALREADY FULFILLED MY PURPOSE”.

NEGLECT OF PERSONAL HYGIENE;

IRRITABILITY;

UNREASONABLE MOOD SWINGS;

DISINTEREST IN ACTIVITIES THAT THEY USED TO ENJOY DOING;

ILLNESS: in these cases, the elderly person may constantly report that they are sick, even with tests indicating otherwise or the absence of clinical symptoms;

DESIRE TO STAY IN BED ALL DAY LONG