Elders and Depression

Many seniors have grown up in a culture that stigmatized mental illness. This is a prevailing “cloud”, which makes them less comfortable admitting when they experience depression and taking steps to do something about it.

For family members wanting to proactively help their elderly parents and community seniors avoid depression, psychology experts say there are a few things that you can do to help:

— Encourage social connections. A most common piece of expert advice, given today’s isolation and loneliness. Help by encouraging them to socialize. Make plans to do something with them — even if it’s just to have a cup of coffee or watch a movie together.

Help elders connect with communities beyond family. This might include book clubs or exercise classes. Also, senior events designed to keep your elderly parents active. This can help them tap into a larger community and potentially take some of the pressure off the shoulders of family caregivers. Perhaps, also, extended visits with other family members.

Help your elderly parents find some activities of interest in their community. Call your local Council on Aging, which offers many programs and activities for community elders. Something that meets regularly is ideal, so they have a standing date on the calendar, and get the chance to socialize and develop friendships.

— Help them find purpose. After retirement, many seniors may start to feel like the main responsibilities they had in life are gone. If they don’t replace them with something new as they age, they risk feeling like their life has no real purpose.

There are multiple examples of seniors who fought off depression by finding a way to bring meaning into their lives. Depressed elderly can volunteer at animal shelters, hospitals and other places. These activities provide a very unique perspective. It helps them see that they were not the only people (or creatures) who are disadvantaged or in need of help.

Helping elders find a meaningful way to give back to the community, or support a cause they care about, can make a big difference to how useful and fulfilled they feel.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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