Prevention of Depression in the Elderly

According to Depression-Guide.com, depression affects more than 6.5 million Americans 65 years of age and older. Causes for depression in the elderly are many, including chronic pain and illness, the death of a spouse and losing mobility and independence. A combination of preventive steps are required to help reduce the likelihood of an elderly person becoming depressed.

Recognizing Early Symptoms

• Preventing depression is often linked to recognizing the warning signs of depression. Because elderly people don't always share their thoughts and feelings, friends and family should look for signs indicating possible depression. A few symptoms of depression in the elderly include changes in weight and eating habits, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, statements of unworthiness, irritable moods and complaining more about aches and pains.

Support Groups and Socialization

• One of the most common causes of depression in the elderly is isolation. Rather than spending most of their time alone, elderly people need to socialize. Because older people experience ongoing loss and significant life changes, it's important they discuss their feelings with others going through similar adjustments. There are grief support groups for people dealing with loss. Local senior centers offer regular activities where older people they can bond with other seniors. Inviting friends to their homes is another ideal way to reduce time spent alone.

Volunteering

• Volunteering helps with depression because it forces the mind to focus on the needs of others rather than one's own challenges. Besides church service projects, there are many volunteer jobs available for seniors such as assisting in schools, libraries, hospitals and other areas. Senior Corps connects seniors with organizations for volunteering opportunities such as the Foster Grandparent Program which matches older volunteers to children with exceptional needs. The Senior Companion Program links senior volunteers with people struggling to do everyday tasks. RSVP is another organization using senior volunteers to help those in need.

Exploring New Hobbies and Skills

• Learning new hobbies and skills helps keep older minds active. There is never a point in life when elderly people are too old to expand their mental abilities. Some of the hobbies seniors enjoy exploring include art, needlework, quilting and photography. Learning new computer skills or working crossword puzzles are activities that keep the mind sharp and stimulated. Many colleges such as South Carolina's Clemson University offer classes that seniors can audit for free.

Excercise

• In addition to lowering the odds for health problems such as heart disease, regular exercise helps prevent depression. Exercise helps elderly people sleep better and feel better. Seniors should find a form of exercise that works well for them. While some elderly people enjoy senior exercise classes, others prefer walking groups. By exercising with others, seniors also receive social benefits. Before starting an exercise program it's best for seniors to first check with a doctor. This is particularly important for elderly people who haven't exercised for a long period of time.

Diet

• Elderly people often adopt poor eating habits, which can lead not only to physical decline but also depression. This is especially common among elderly people who live alone and don't want to go to the trouble of preparing a hot meal. Families should check on their elderly relatives to see if they are eating properly. If their loved ones need help, options should be examined such as Meals on Wheels which delivers hot meals to homebound seniors. Local programs can be found by calling the Eldercare Hotline at [phone].

Considerations

• Before relocating an elderly loved one it's important to examine the pros and cons of the decision. Often older people move to new surroundings and become depressed because they're taken away from familiar places and have to depend on their grown children. For example, an elderly woman who moves from a city to a rural area to be closer to her grown children may experience depression as a result of the changes and loss of independence. Although she may get more support from her family, she may miss being able to walk to the bank and corner grocery store she's patronized for years. Leaving old friends behind may also contribute to feelings of depression.