Dimensions of Depression in the Dynamics of Recovery of Elderly Patients with Post-Traumatic Sequelae

Background: Any physical trauma, regardless of the chronological age reference, involves the restructuring of psychological functionality, both cognitively and emotionally. The older the age at which physical injuries with post-traumatic sequelae occur, the more the context of mental life is affected in a manner that leads to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. One of the premises of this research is that the integrated physical and psychological approach of the patient in post-traumatic recovery for elderly patients allows the improvement of their attitude toward the traumatic situation, implicitly activating the patient and reducing the depressive factor, in addition to increasing their awareness of their own body in the recovery process. Results: The experimental group consisted of 35 subjects, who scored a total of 376 points in the initial phase and 178 points in the final phase, resulting in a difference of 198 points between the two phases of testing. The control group also consisted of 35 subjects, who scored 339 points in the initial phase and 298 points in the final phase, with a difference of 41 points between the two phases. Conclusions: Given this, collaboration among doctors, physical therapists, and psychologists becomes essential in the physical recovery process for elderly patients. Reconnecting the individual with their inner self, encouraging voluntary engagement, and identifying personal strengths and past achievements can provide realistic new frames of reference.