Comments on: Sleeping Geriatric Giant: Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults, Part 1

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:28:18 +0000

D,
Unfortunately, I think that the word and concept of “anxiety” is deeply embedded into our culture. It will take education to set things straight, but there’s not much of a movement in the US to do it. Wish I could sound a bit more hopeful….

By: D

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:22:30 +0000

Mike, *great* point about "anxiety" vs. "Anxiety." You are right on the money! We really need new terminology to describe clinical anxiety problems—or at least a really good public education campaign. D’s last blog post..Just do it

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:32:18 +0000

@Tracy – It seems to be the best idea to develop a friendship. Older people are very jealous of their independence, and if the neighbor even suspects that you are trying to take that away, she may shut you off. As you get to know her, you might meet some relatives that you could talk to, too. Anyway, good for you for being concerned and proactive!

@Kim – I’m already experiencing some loss of physical abilities and it is distressing. I have to fight to maintain a good attitude about it all so that I can keep Anxiety at bay.

I’m ever the optimist, and I hope that the attitudes of people toward older adults will improve with greater exposure to them. Like you say, there are a lot of pressing concerns, but the elderly are a part of those concerns in that so many of them are in poverty, have inadequate health care because of stupid Medicare rules, and face decreased buying power from their savings and investments.

By: Kim Woodbridge

Kim Woodbridge — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:55:44 +0000

Oh no. I accidentally moved away from the page and lost my comment. What was I thinking ... I would think a loss in physical ability would strongly contribute to anxiety in the elderly - I know I already worry about it a little. I am cynical about things improving as our population grows older. With such a large elderly population it seems that there may be many more pressing concerns. @Tracy - You sound like such a kind person. The fact that you have noticed this woman and are concerned about her says a lot about your character :-) Kim Woodbridge’s last blog post..(Anti) Social-Lists 11/30/08

By: Tracy

Tracy — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:36:55 +0000

@Mike, thanks, I had no idea that there was both an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Personality Disorder. What a wealth of information you are! I am wondering about a neighbor of ours, we're new to the street so I don't know her well, but from what I can see from the street her porch, carport and van are all completely filled with assorted junk. It worries me because she has limited mobility and I have no idea how to approach her to see if she needs help without insulting her. I think I'm going to keep developing a friendship and look for an opening. Tracy’s last blog post..I am Learning the Social Web Media Networking 2.0

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:28:31 +0000

@Tracy, thanks for the comment! I just posted Part 2. It's a bit long, but I couldn't say what was needed in fewer words. Hoarding is related to both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (an Anxiety Disorder) and to Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (not an Anxiety Disorder). I have not done any research on hoarding, but I think I need to; it's been put on my list! I think we are just now beginning to realize how much ageism permeates our society. We all are guilty of disregarding the elderly and discounting their mental and physical complaints. I hope that will change as the Baby Boomers enter retirement age and the elderly will be much more visible. @D You are right: Anxiety Disorders have not received the same attention, either in research or in the press, as have depression or other mood disorders. This, despite its affecting many more Americans than depression or bipolar disorder. It's my opinion that the reason for this is that everybody has anxieties, and people think those with Anxieties are just the same except more so! Incidentally, I wrote a post about this, which also explains why I capitalize Anxiety (as in Disorder), and not anxiety (as in what everybody has). It's titled, Anxiety and anxiety: What's the difference?

By: D

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:30:30 +0000

I’m not surprised anxiety disorders are under-researched in older adults. Seems like anxiety itself doesn’t get as much attention, no matter what the age. Right now, a lot of media attention (and maybe research dollars?) is focused on depression and bipolar disorder. At least that’s my perception :) http://iamlivingwithanxiety.blogspot.com/

D’s last blog post..It’s hard to stop a train

By: Tracy

Tracy — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:11:04 +0000

Actually it does ring a bell for me in a couple of older people I know, I'm looking forward to reading part II to see if there is anything I could do to help. Would a hording disorder be considered part of Obsessive Compulsive disorder (please pardon if I have the terms wrong)? I think we expect older people to be a little "batty" and minimize their feelings. I have to admit, I'm probably just as guilty as anyone. This is something I'm becoming more aware of as my parents age and their general health declines. Tracy’s last blog post..I am Learning the Social Web Media Networking 2.0

By: Sleeping Geriatric Giant: Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults, Part … | Anxiety Reaction

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:21:55 +0000

[...] See more here: Sleeping Geriatric Giant: Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults, Part … [...]