Depression is not just a young person problem. Seniors can have this condition too. However, older people can experience depression in similar ways, with feelings of sadness and malaise, as well as a lack of interest in things that used to bring them joy. If you suspect your senior loved one has depression, here are some ways to help:
Discuss moving to a senior living community
Many seniors live alone. This can feel isolating, especially because getting around to go visit friends or attend events may not be as easy as it used to be. Solo living also requires a lot of work, from cooking for one to cleaning and doing laundry. Older people who have depression may benefit from moving to an independent or senior living community. There they can easily socialize within moments of leaving their room. Activity planners work hard to provide opportunities for seniors to get together to play games, listen to music and even learn new skills. With all these options, social contact can really prove to be a lifting factor for people who have depression.
Encourage him or her to talk with a doctor
While you may think your loved one has depression, there is no way to tell without an official diagnosis. Tell the senior to talk with his or her doctor about experiencing low moods. A physician can decide if depression is a factor, and then decide on a course of treatment. Since many seniors take multiple medications a day, it’s important that they know what prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs they take before going to the doctor. These medicines may contribute to mood disorders, and a medical professional can make sure any depression-related medications won’t interfere with drugs the senior is already taking.
Work with a therapist
While a doctor can provide a prescription for medication, that’s not guaranteed to work. Plus, many people treat their depression with a combination of drugs and therapy. A therapist can listen to a senior’s concerns and talk about anything the individual wants. Some older people can really benefit from talking to someone who is not a family member or friend. Therapists are completely objective – they have no associations with their patients outside of the office which allows them to refrain from judgment. Since many seniors experience grief due to the loss of friends and family, speaking with a therapist is a great way to work through those feelings and find helpful ways to cope.
Get moving together
You know that high you get after going for a run or getting in some exercise? When we get our hearts pumping, our brains send out chemicals that make us feel happy. Seniors can benefit from this natural response by being more active. While they don’t need to start training for a 5K, even just light jogging or fast walking can do the trick. Exercise is not a long-term fix for depression, but it can help a senior feel better as he or she learns how to adjust to the condition.
If you found an error, highlight it and press Shift + Enter or click here to inform us.
CHC