Common causes of depression in the elderly include all of the following, except:

• A. Social isolation
• B. Chronic medical illnesses
• C. Increased physical activity
• D. Bereavement or loss of loved ones

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which is identifying common causes of depression in the elderly population.
2. Step 2: Review each option and consider how it relates to depression in older adults. Social isolation is known to contribute to depression because it reduces social support and increases feelings of loneliness.
3. Step 3: Recognize that chronic medical illnesses can lead to depression due to ongoing pain, disability, or stress related to health problems.
4. Step 4: Bereavement or loss of loved ones is a significant risk factor for depression in the elderly, as it involves emotional trauma and adjustment to loss.
5. Step 5: Identify that increased physical activity is generally associated with improved mood and mental health, making it unlikely to be a cause of depression; rather, it is often recommended as a protective factor.