As humans, we struggle to live
healthily and pursue success and happiness. There needs to be a balance between
mental and physical well being. When you think about senior wellness, it is
usually associated with physical health or dementia-prevention, but we
frequently forget that seniors may also struggle with loneliness and
depression.
As we age, at times changes occur
that may cause us to experience stress and sadness. The transition from work to
retirement, the diagnosis of an illness, the death of a loved one can all
make us feel anxious, uneasy, unhappy and contribute to depression over
time. Some symptoms of depression are:
- feeling
sad, unhappy, or empty
- irrational
reactions or angry outbursts
- loss of
interest in normal activities
- changes
in appetite
- anxiety
or restlessness
- feeling
worthless or guilty
- unexplained
pain
- difficulty
concentrating or making decisions
- difficulty
sleeping, insomnia, or sleeping too much
- thoughts
of suicide or death
Depression in elderly is difficult
to identify as they at times have different symptoms compared to a younger
demographic. Some seniors may have less obvious symptoms than sadness, thus is
less willing to vocalize their feelings and doctors may not be able to
recognize that they might have depression.
Loneliness is also a reason for depression
amongst seniors. Social contact reduces as people age, often due to lack of
retirement, mobility, and other reasons leading to higher rates of senior
social isolation. Studies show that loneliness is a vast risk factor for
depression, heightening the sense of worthlessness and unhappiness. Hence it is
important to look out for these symptoms and ease them ahead of time for
yourself or your loved one.
- Encourage
treatment for depression: Seek expert help such as different therapies or
medications and be sure your dear one is keeping up with their treatment
plan. If the depression is chronic and severe, it is definitely
advised to see a psychiatrist or therapist, counseling alongside
prescribed medication might be the most effective way to help with the
chemical imbalance in your brain causing the depression.
- Whether
it is continuing a hobby or starting a brand new one, it is good to have
something to keep you enthusiastic and looking forward to on a daily
basis.
Owning a pet endorses
unconditional love and companionship, offering seniors a sense of purpose! It
also encourages a more active lifestyle and enhanced social interaction.