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As the Baby Boomers retire and the demand for heightened competence in elderly care increases, researchers are developing a more holistic approach to aging studies. Kate de Medeiros, a supporter of this new philosophy and doctoral candidate in UMBC’s gerontology program, is determined to break away from stereotypes about growing old. Her current research focuses on the use of personal narratives, or life stories, as a way for the elderly to talk about their experiences with depression. Consequently, de Medeiros hopes to help clinicians better evaluate the mental states of their patients.

The following is an excerpt written by one of the elderly women de Medeiros works with and provides an example of the way letter writing allows people to identify the source of their depression. “After you lose your husband, you tell yourself that it’s over and to get on with your life. I’ve found that those I’ve loved never go away completely... You tell yourself that loving is a habit and that you’ll get over it but the yearning for that love never goes away completely. With the longing comes depression, knowing that love isn't likely to come my way again.’

While in the past treatment for depression has been based mostly on the results of diagnostic interviews, de Medeiros recognizes the stigma surrounding depression as a potential barrier against honest communication with health professionals. “By using personal narratives like storytelling and letter writing to elicit conversation, I am able to uncover deeper insights about the experiences of growing older and better understand what role depression plays in people’s lives,’ said de Medeiros. For training and research on her dissertation study, de Medeiros was awarded a two-year Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Like many graduate students at UMBC, de Medeiros was drawn to the University’s interdisciplinary philosophy. “UMBC’s doctoral program in gerontology offers the unique opportunity to learn disciplined and diverse research skills with a solid foundation in gerontological studies in an environment that provides a whole host of complementary coursework and departments,” said de Medeiros. As a result, she has taken courses in women's studies and philosophy and said the experience, “has been a tremendous asset” to her work.

Before coming to UMBC, de Medeiros’s graduate work was featured in the PBS documentary “Life Stories” and led to further research on the potential of life story writing for memory improvement. Recently, she collaborated with UMBC sociology professor Kevin Eckert on a study focused on a facilitated discussion group held at an Erickson retirement community. “I wanted to examine how gender dynamics affect this sort of discussion group,” said de Medeiros. “The results can be surprising and it is a topic worthy of more attention in gerontology.” In turn, de Medeiros and Eckert hope the study will provide useful insight into older adult education methods.

Professor Eckert, future dean of the Erickson School of Aging Studies, said that de Medeiros’ progress in the program has been exemplary. “With the help of Kate and the other doctoral students, the program has achieved national prominence in just four years. I am very optimistic about the future of our activities in aging studies as we graduate students with such talent and promise.” De Medeiros's mentor, sociology professor Robert Rubinstein, also recognizes the significance of her work in the field. “Kate is one of the brightest students I've ever worked with,” he said. “Depression is a very important topic in gerontology today and, while acknowledging the significance of the medical and psychiatric perspectives on depression, Kate is breaking new ground by focusing on what depressed people have to say about their own experiences.”