Depression Prevention for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide
According to Mental Health America, more than 2 million of the over 30 million senior population suffer from depression. That begs the question -- can an elderly person die from depression?
Not directly, but depression is an alarming condition that must be treated with seriousness and care. If your loved one is left to sink further into depression, it can start to affect various other parts of their life, from their cognitive well-being to their physical health.
In today's post, we'll outline a few key insights about elderly depression before providing some mental health tips for seniors. Preventing depression in elderly people doesn't have to be difficult. Keep reading and learn everything you need to know to boost seniors' mental health.
Can an Elderly Person Die From Depression?
As we mentioned above, depression is a relatively common problem among seniors, but it's one that often goes undiagnosed. It can be triggered by a variety of factors that we'll discuss momentarily, and it can manifest very differently in seniors than in the rest of the population.
Depression itself won't necessarily lead to death, though there's an increased risk of suicide in depressed seniors. More likely, depression will lead to a variety of conditions that are detrimental to senior health.
Depressed seniors tend to lose sleep and fail to eat a healthy diet, both of which can weaken immune function. Sufferers may also fail to properly manage their other conditions, which can lead to deteriorating health.
For that reason, it's crucial to recognize the signs and underlying causes of depression in seniors. Recognizing depression is the first step in helping your loved one manage the condition and eventually break the spell of mental illness.
Signs of Depression in Seniors
The signs of depression can vary from person to person, making it difficult to recognize. Common signs of depression among other demographics include feelings of hopelessness. For seniors, symptoms can be far more subtle.
Behavioral Changes
Irritability and emotional numbness are two of the more common signs of senior depression. Losing interest in once-enjoyed activities, whether it be exercise or socializing, is another common sign. The more one withdraws from their interests, the more isolated they'll become.
Physical Changes
Depression may also manifest physically in seniors. Here are a few of the ways that depression manifests in the body:
- Unusual aches and paints
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss/gain
- Insomnia or oversleeping
Cognitive Issues
Cognitive issues may arise. Depression and early dementia are often confused with one another. If your loved one seems more confused than usual, it could very well be down to depression.
When your loved one is displaying any of these symptoms or the more traditional ones -- fatigue, helplessness, etc. -- you should seek help. There are many ways to manage senior depression, but it should be diagnosed by a professional first.
Causes of Depression
There are a few typical causes of depression in seniors. Different age-related factors will often mount, growing the feeling of hopelessness. It often starts with health problems.
If your loved one has chronic health issues -- diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, neurological disorders, etc. -- it can lead to physical limitations. This will generate not only frustration but a sense of isolation as well. On top of that, some medications used to treat these ailments have side effects that add to depression.
Social isolation is a major contributor to senior depression. It's common for social activity to decline as we age. If your loved one isn't getting enough valuable interactions, it can lead to a lack of purpose and sadness.
Loss and grief also contribute to depression. Losing spouses, close friends, or other family members can create an insurmountable grief in older people. It also makes them think more about the negative physical effects of aging, which will only worsen depression.
Changes in life roles can contribute as well. Retirement is often a jarring change in one's life, decreasing their daily responsibilities and creating a sense of boredom. Where there's boredom, you'll also find a lack of fulfillment and low self-worth.
Tips for Managing Depression
Start by seeking professional help for your loved one. A GP or mental health professional will be able to definitively diagnose their depression. They may suggest therapy or medication to help them manage their symptoms.
There are numerous things one can do to stave off depressive feelings. Regular physical activity releases endorphins that can improve one's mood. Even light exercise, like walking or yoga, is enough to change depressive thought patterns.
A healthy diet is another important mood booster. When seniors get the vitamins and nutrients they need, it will boost their energy levels. Sleep has the same effect, so ensure your loved one has regular sleep patterns that leave them feeling energized each morning.
The Role of Socialization for Senior Depression
Isolation is a huge problem in senior populations. The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that one in three adults between 50 and 80 deal with feelings of social isolation.
Social interaction can combat isolation and the loneliness therein. It does the following:
- Boosts mood
- Enhances cognitive function
- Provides a general sense of satisfaction with one's life
This is where senior communities come into play. If your loved one lives alone at home and they're starting to show signs of depression, a senior community may have senior wellness strategies to help.
There are many benefits to senior living, but one of the biggest is being surrounded by peers. Each day in a senior community is filled with group activities that boost socialization. Your loved one will have a chance to build meaningful connections that help them avoid isolation and depression.
Get the Best Senior Care to Avoid Depression
Asking, "Can an elderly person die from depression?", is the wrong approach. Instead, worry about how your loved one might be feeling and how you can help. Depression always comes with signals, so pay attention to how your loved one is acting and help them get out of their funk.
If you think it's time for your loved one to enjoy a senior living community, Addington Place of Mount Pleasant can help. We offer a wide range of amenities and daily activities to boost socialization among our residents in Mt. Pleasant, IA. Contact us today to learn how we'll improve your loved one's physical and mental well-being.