How to Help the Elderly Deal With Depression

Depression in adults over 65 is a serious problem in the United States. Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health show that depression is found in more than 10% of the elderly in hospitals and in more than 13% of the older adults getting home health care. In addition, many more are living with subsyndromal or minor depression, a lesser form of the illness that still consists of clinically significant symptoms.

Instructions

Helping the Depressed Elderly

• 1

  Visit the person on a regular basis and be available for emotional support. While together, talk with them about how they're feeling and what activities they enjoy.

• 2

  Encourage them to get outside and exercise. Duke University researchers performed a study with 156 middle-aged to elderly individuals and found that those who exercised several times a week actually recovered from depression at the same rates as those who were treated with medication.

• 3

  Assist with housekeeping chores and other tasks that the elderly person struggles with. For example, driving them around town to complete errands is a good idea as many elderly no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel or are unable to drive.

• 4

  Invite your elderly companion to go to social functions and be around friends. A 1999 study published in Social Work by Siebert, Mutran, and Reitzes found that the role of a friend is actually the strongest predictor of life satisfaction for individuals over 65.

• 5

  Discuss getting a pet. According to The Pets for the Elderly Foundation, the companionship of dogs and cats lowers depression among the elderly, lowers blood pressure and pulse rate, and helps fight loneliness. Additional research by Raina, Waltner-Toews, Bonnett, et al., published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (1999) found that older people living with cats or dogs were in better physical health than those living without pets.

• 6

  Encourage an older adult with depression to take part in counseling. Local mental health centers or hospitals can be contacted for a referral to a professional therapist for diagnosis and treatment.