Final answer:
There is no exact number specified for how many of the 32 million elderly are depressed, but it is acknowledged as a common issue for individuals over 65 who also have the highest rates of Factors such as loneliness, health issues, and financial instability contribute to depression risks. The growing elderly population in the U.S. will place more demand on social support systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Depression is a significant concern among the elderly population, affecting their overall health and well-being. With old age typically beginning in the mid-60s, many individuals face a range of challenges, including the potential loss of social contact after retirement, which may lead to loneliness. Additionally, ageism or prejudicial treatment based on age can further exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. Although the exact number of elderly individuals experiencing depression is not provided directly in the question, it is recognized that it is an exceedingly common issue during this life stage, and those above 65 have the highest rates of which can be a dire consequence of untreated depression.
The economic health of the older population has seen fluctuations, with poverty rates among those over 65 years old decreasing from 1967 to 2008, only to rise again to 14 percent by 2010 due to the recession's impact. Further amplifying the situation, health-related issues prevalent among seniors such as arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity contribute to decreased quality of life and could influence the prevalence of depression. The trend shows that while disability measures may be improving, the rise in chronic diseases poses new challenges for this demographic. Medical advances have somewhat mitigated these effects, but disparities in the perceived quality of health and actual health conditions between those aged 18 to 64 and individuals over 65 remain apparent.
These health concerns, combined with the financial pressures from reduced savings due to recessions, suggest a complex interplay between socio-economic factors and health in the elderly, leading to increased risks for depression. Interventions such as regular annual checkups, which are deemed crucial by 75% of seniors according to a doctor's magazine, might be a measure to monitor and potentially improve elderly health outcomes, potentially curbing depressive symptoms. The rising older adult population in the United States also indicates a future with increased demands on social support systems like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, requiring a reevaluation of current funding strategies to sufficiently support the elderly.