Problems of Demoralization

Abstract

A state of demoralization can come to older persons in many forms and guises: hopelessness, helplessness, (Erikson’s) despair, (Durkheim’s) anomie or “normlessness,” loneliness, depression, and others. Most states of demoralization probably contain more than one of these forms, which overlap with one another to a large extent. This chapter will look at two forms of demoralization in particular — loneliness and depression. These two have been selected because they are experienced by so many older persons and because they often coexist with other forms of demoralization, such as hopelessness and helplessness.