Depression in older adults is not just about mood
Depressed older adults and those with brain functioning problems, can show changes in how they drive and how often they drive.
Older adults with depression, or with problems linked to brain functioning, can have low mood, but complex daily behaviors like driving can also be affected.
Older adults with depression showed specific driving patterns
Recent studies showed that older adults with depression showed specific driving patterns, compared to people who were not depressed (i.e., braking hard, cornering hard, an inclination to speed and to spend more time driving altogether). So, depression in older adults is not just about mood.
The researchers concluded: “Depression is treatable, and addressing it proactively could improve both driving safety and overall well-being” (Babulal the Drives project).
Older adults with problems linked to brain functioning (not necessarily with depression) were found to make fewer and shorter trips over time. Some people may end up driving less.
Can Older Adults become more isolated as a result of changes in the brain and/or being depressed?
This would surely lead to increased isolation, especially in rural areas in the UK where public transport systems have been reduced. However, please note, social isolation does not always mean someone would say they were lonely. Loneliness and mental health are strongly connected.
See the Loneliness and Mental Health report – UK by the Mental Health Foundation.
We have specialist doctors of Clinical Psychologists who can help, who know that Depression in older adults is not just about mood but can be caused by or shown by many other aspects of life and /or brain functioning. Seek help today, you might be an individual, a family member, close friend or care home staff contact us today
