Question

A retired person requests counseling because of "boredom and feeling worthless." As a successful middle manager, the client looked forward to retirement and to spending time with family and friends. However, the client now spends time sleeping and watching television rather than enjoying long anticipated pastimes. The social worker should FIRST inquire about:

A. civic clubs or organizations the client could join
B. other symptoms that might indicate depression
C. effects of losing social validation and opportunities to be productive
D. dysfunctional changes in family role expectations or communication patterns

Answer 1

A retired person feeling boredom and worthlessness should be assessed for symptoms of depression first. Retirement can lead to disruptions in former routines and social roles, contributing to the loss of purpose and increased depression risk. Addressing mental health and finding meaningful activities are essential for improving life quality in retirement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question presented is about a retired person who is experiencing boredom and feeling worthless. A critical first step for a social worker in this scenario is to inquire about other symptoms that might indicate depression. Given the information provided, the retired individual had expectations about retirement that are not being met and is exhibiting signs such as increased sleeping and lack of enjoyment in anticipated pastimes—behaviors that could indicate underlying depression. Depression in old age is a significant concern, as people over 65 have the highest rate of sui_cide, primarily due to factors like less social contact, loneliness, and sometimes ageism.

It's crucial to understand that during retirement, the shift away from structure, social validation, and a clear sense of purpose can be disruptive. As people transition into old age, they often look for new hobbies, interests, and social connections to find meaning and maintain their sense of self-worth. It's important for the social worker to carefully consider the client's symptoms, overall well-being, and current lifestyle to address potential mental health issues adequately and suggest meaningful interventions that can improve the individual’s quality of life.