Overview

Suicide and depression in the elderly is increasing. Current treatments have proven to be ineffective in the reduction of individuals struggling with depression and have had no apparent effect on the rising suicide rate of individuals over the age of 65. Reform is needed. A stronger focus needs to be on both preventative programs and alternative treatment options. The use of memoir therapy as one of these treatment options will actively exercise the brains of the elderly through mental stimulation and memory recall. Memoir therapy can involve writing about their life experiences, verbally speaking to a group about said experiences, or even recording themselves on camera. Such recall of the past will benefit the elderly struggling with depression by both keeping their minds sharp as well as relieving their symptoms, providing them a newfound purpose in their lives.