Lifespan Addressing Issues Facing Older Adults
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: August 22, 2012
More than 100,000 people in Monroe County are over the age of 65, according to Lifespan.
That's the local agency that serves as a resource for older adults.
It's that population that faces some of the biggest challenges.
"Older people are often feeling loss of spouses or children moving out of the home, loss of their retiring from work roles had for many years," said Paul Caccamise, Vice President for Program at Lifespan.
Lifespan takes 25,000 calls a year from seniors and their loved ones about everything from where to find nursing care to depression issues.
Paul Caccamise is Lifespan's Vice President for Program.
He said research done of roughly 300 older adults at the University of Rochester Medical Center showed 28% had signs of depression and anxiety.
He also said the suicide rate nationally is 50-percent higher among older adults.
"It means that depression is far more prevalent than we expected. We knew it was out there but didn't know it was that prevalent," said Caccamise,
Caccamise says its important for family members to notice warning signs.
"They need to be aware of the signs of anxiety, distress, lack of interest in pleasurable activities that people were engaged in previously," said Caccamise.
Lifespan provides three mental health programs, some of it is done right at home, and services are free.
"There is help out there, Lifespan can help with this among many others and help is a phone call away," said Caccamise.
Eldersource is the hotline where you can reach out for help.
The number is: 585-325-2800.
There are also lots of resources online that can be found here.
