Depression can affect people at different stages in their lives, and elderly people, in particular can find themselves struggling. Getting older brings new and often unique life changes that can impact an elderly person’s mental health, creating feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression. Poor mental health can also negatively impact physical health, leading to an overall lesser quality of life, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs that may indicate an elderly loved one is struggling with depression and take the necessary steps to help them through a difficult time.
In this blog, we have explored some of the different factors that could contribute to depression in elderly people and the signs that they may be experiencing depression, as well as some solutions that could be implemented to help improve their mental health.
Factors That Could Lead to Depression in Seniors
There isn’t a specific cause that leads to depression, and it can be different for each person. For elderly people, several various factors could give rise to depression, like the examples listed below.
Firstly, new health conditions or existing ones exacerbated by age can create physical discomfort, interfere with routines and hobbies and take an emotional toll. Chronic conditions in particular, that see little reprieve, can create feelings of sadness, frustration and fear.
Secondly, getting older means that elderly loved ones may be experiencing the loss of friends, family and spouses, the grief of which can manifest into depression.
Thirdly, isolation. If a loved one is struggling with health or mobility and can no longer get themselves out of the house, loneliness and isolation can emerge from losing social engagements and relationships, which can evolve into depression.
Finally, some medications may cause elderly people to experience depressive symptoms.
Signs Your Elderly Loved One May be depressed
It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that may indicate your loved one is struggling with depression, as some elderly people may not realise that they are depressed. Recognising depression means that measures can be taken to help tackle it and improve mental wellbeing.
- Withdrawing from social activities that are typically enjoyed, such as meeting with friends and family or enjoying hobbies.
- Losing or gaining a significant amount of weight could indicate a loss of appetite or overeating, which can be common symptoms of depression.
- Expressing hopelessness, worthlessness and feeling like a burden.
- Unexplained aches and pains could be depression manifesting physically.
- Sleep disturbances, whether it’s insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) could emerge due to depression.
These are just some examples of signs to look out for; depression can display as a broad range of symptoms.
Ways to Combat Elderly Depression
If you believe one of your elderly family members is exhibiting signs of depression, it’s essential to address it and look for ways to help them.
Seeking professional help is an ideal first step. Professionals can help provide therapy to help seniors find coping mechanisms and better understand their mental health. Professionals may also be able to prescribe medication should this provide elderly people with the help they need.
Encouraging physical activity can help to improve a person’s mood as it contributes to the release of endorphins. Physical activity doesn’t have to be high intensity to make a difference; whether it’s having a gentle walk or swim, chair yoga, or just some simple stretches, getting moving can positively impact your mental health. Having a family member or home caregiver to provide physical support and motivation can help seniors introduce exercise into their daily routines more easily.
Having a healthy diet can also help with mental health. Ensuring that seniors are eating the right portion size and getting the correct nutrients helps them keep their bodies healthy, and things like vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids can also help with brain function.
Having daily routines in place can help elderly people who may struggle with feelings of aimlessness. Having things to do at prescribed times can keep seniors busy and encourage a sense of purpose. If extra help is needed to complete tasks at home, hiring a home caregiver could be an ideal solution.
It’s vital to have a strong support system. If elderly people have friends, family and professionals around them that they trust, they can feel more comfortable expressing their feelings, having conversations and generally just spending time with each other, providing crucial social interaction.
Learn More About Home Care in Sale
Caregivers can be instrumental in helping elderly people who are struggling with depression, not only providing physical support like personal care and domestic tasks but also offering vital companionship.
Beloved Homecare provides high-quality home care in Sale. We recognise the importance of tailored care, understanding that all our clients will have different needs. Our team is here whether your loved one requires 24-hour care, a few weekly visits, or more specialised care, such as dementia or end-of-life care. Contact our team to learn about our services and see what we can do to help.