No, it’s not a normal part of ageing but it’s a common experience of ageing. Let us explain some more.
Western tradition has tended to see our physical health as being separate to anything else in our lives. Increasingly though, we are all becoming aware that our physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health and wellbeing are all tied up together. The Maori concept of Te Whare Tapa describes these dimensions well: taha wairua (spiritual health), taha hinengaro (mental health), taha tinana (physical health) and taha whānau (family health). At various times the balance between these various parts can be disturbed.
Not only has our western thinking dominated our understanding of our physical health it’s also tended to emphasise the importance of the individual over the group (the social/family dimension). While this can have a negative effect on us at any stage of life, the loss of people we love, and our often-decreasing social circle can make this even more evident as we age. It’s not hard to see then, that there could be a number of factors that are contributing to how you are feeling. For example: depression often involves a complex mix of these issues. It affects many older people and is frequently overlooked or undiagnosed.
What to do
- If you find that these feelings are not resolving get relevant skilled or professional help e.g., counsellor, pastoral care, and community support services.
- If you suspect you are depressed or know an unaddressed health issue lies at the heart of your problems, see your doctor.
- Find out more about depression at depression.org.nz
Updated: 21 Apr 2023