Persuasion Effect Draft/Outline

This will not include the artwork yet (because I need more time on that) but will include all the dialogue
and set up of my comic.

Box #1

The image will be the narrator popping her head into the frame with a talking bubble.

Narrator: Hi there! Did you know that it is estimated that 6 million adults ages 65+ suffer from
depression? And that less than 10% are receiving treatment for it?

(walks more into frame)

Box #2

The image will be the narrator standing in the frame next to another person.

Narrator: Depression is not a normal part of aging. Persistent symptoms can really interfere with one’s
abilities to function.

Friend: Woah, those are some staggering statistics. What can we do to combat this issue?

Narrator: I am SO glad you asked… follow me!

(enters room full of elderly people)

Box #3

The image will be the “friend” thinking about how busy his schedule is.

Narrator: The good thing is, is that there are multiple solutions that you can take action on right now
with the people you love and care about! Having daily interactions is one of the most important.

Friend: That can be so hard though with my busy schedule. I never have time!

Box #4

This image will be another thought bubble from the narrator about a television episode.

Narrator: I understand people can have very busy lives, but this can be as simple as taking your senior to
one of their appointments or watching a favorite television show together. These things don’t have to
take too much time out of your schedule, and it will really help your senior thrive.

Friend: I guess I could manage an episode of tv! That sounds fun.

Box #5

This image will be a frame of possible activities and programs.

Narrator: Another great solution is to get your seniors involved! Enroll them in the programs that your
care facility has to offer. If you are a caregiver in your own home, do some research on local senior
activities and programs in your area.
Friend: Now, I am all for this one, but I have asked and asked my Nana to join the local swimming
program and she always refuses.

Box #6

This image will be of the both of them standing again.

Narrator: I am glad you brought this point up because this is a common interaction that can happen.
New activities aren’t just fun but also comes along with the preparation of getting ready beforehand,
transportation to and from, how they feel afterwards (tired, aches, etc.) and potential disruption of their
daily medications and treatments. Once you take this into account although, you can take extra steps to
help push your senior to experience new activities and programs!

Friend: Do you have specific examples on how I could do that? I think I am starting to understand what
you’re saying.

Narrator: Sure! First off, try and make the new activity a bonding experience between the two of you
the first couple of times. This way, you will know if they enjoy the activity. You can always offer to help
them get ready as well as drive them to the event. Another tip would be to perform the activity by
yourselves and then transition into a social group to help them be more comfortable with the idea.

Box #7

This image will have an elderly man stand up next to these two.

(elderly man stands up and butts in)

Man: I couldn’t help but overhear you two, that this sounded just like my experience with dancing. I
never thought I was that great of a dancer but after spending all my time feeling isolated, I had a family
member really pressure me to try something new. What can I say, it changed my life completely! It not
only gave me something to look forward to everyday, I met some really close friends that keep me
company and keep me smiling!

Friend: Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience. I am definitely going to try and pressure my Nana
more into trying something new. I am excited to see what programs they have to offer for her.

Narrator: I am glad to hear that you are already on the path of helping your Nana with her depression.
See! These solutions are really great for everyone to try.

Box #8

In this image the man has sat back down.

Narrator: Though this solution takes a bit more effort on your part, I think it is one of the most
important ways to help keep seniors happy and healthy.

Friend: I am excited to hear about it! I want my Nana to enjoy her senior years, I cannot believe only
10% of seniors with depression are getting help! That just breaks my heart.

(walks to different location of seniors meeting together in a circle)

Box #9
This image will be the two of them in a different location where there is a support group happening
behind them.

Narrator: Group therapy talk, and support groups are so important for mental health issues. Especially in
a place like this, where there are so many seniors experiencing less independence and the ending years
of their life. It is so important for them to be able to gather and share their feelings and experiences.
Having a support group is important for anyone today.

Friend: That is a great idea! I am sure most everyone in here is experiencing similar things. A support
group that met weekly could be so beneficial for everyone here, including me! So, how do I go about
making this happen?

Narrator: Great question. A lot of facilities may already have programs in place but if not, advocate!
Programs like this might just help the number of depressed seniors to go down. Talk to the people in
charge, propose your ideas. You could offer to hold the session yourself, or I bet almost any therapist
would love to donate their time for this cause.

Friend: I feel really inspired. I will be proposing this idea asap!

Box #10

This image will be the two of them hugging.

Friend: I really appreciate you helping me with solution-based ideas on this major problem with our
seniors today. I really hope that people like me can take these steps and hopefully lower the number of
depressed seniors.

Narrator: I hope for that too. Thank you for taking these steps to help improve and benefit others’ lives.
Good luck with your Nana!

Works Cited:

Jones, Derek. “How to Help Your Senior Parents Find Happiness.” Home Care Software Solutions for
Agencies - ClearCare Online, https://www.clearcareonline.com/blog/uncategorized/how-to-
help-your-senior-parents-find-happiness/.

“Senior Depression: Elder Care Is a Solution.” Find Care in America,

https://www.visitingangels.com/knowledge-center/why-in-home-care/senior-depression-elder-
care-is-a-solution/65.

Hurley, Katie. “Depression in the Elderly: Not a Normal Part of Aging.” Psycom.net - Mental Health
Treatment Resource Since 1986, https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.elderly.html.