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How to Recognize and Prevent Depression in Older Adults: 6 Helpful Tips

Aging can be challenging sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be. Although depression is not a typical part of the aging process, it is common among older adults. So if you’re an older adult and feel that you might be suffering from depression, I want you to know that you are not alone.

Depression is a serious mood disorder, leaving you feeling “down” for longer than usual. Sometimes for weeks or months– this is a good indicator that you might be suffering from depression and could benefit from professional assistance.  It can also be important to consider that you are more likely to experience depression as an older adult if you also experienced it as a younger adult. 

On the bright side, there are treatments available, and for most people, depression does improve with treatment. Treatment options may include counseling, medicine, and more. Here at Compassionate Care CNY, I can provide you with in-home mental health services, and if you need something beyond what I am able to provide, I will make it my priority to point you in the right direction for the care that you need. Don’t hesitate to schedule your free consultation today to see how I can help you or your family. 

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, reach out to someone immediately, do not wait. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or 800-799-4889 any time of day, they are there for you 24/7. 

Although everyone has their own unique set of signs and symptoms, here is a list of the most common signs and symptoms of depression that you might notice in yourself or your loved ones: 

• Anxiety
• Persistent sadness
• Hopelessness
• Guilt
• Worthlessness
• Helplessness
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities that you once found pleasurable
• Fatigue
• Doing things at a slower pace 
• Inability to concentrate
• Difficulty remembering things
• Difficulty making decision
• Insomnia
• Eating disorders
• Thoughts of suicide

Please keep in mind that there may be additional signs and symptoms not listed above. It is important that you do not ignore these warning signs and contact your doctor right away if you think that you or a loved one are suffering from depression. 

If you feel that a friend or family member is struggling with depression you can help them by: 

• Encouraging them to call their doctor and follow the suggested treatment plan.
• Helping them to schedule the appointments or tag along to appointments or support groups. 
• Joining them in participating in activities that they enjoy. 
• Asking them to participate in physical activity with you, like taking a walk or going for a bike ride. Exercise releases endorphins and is scientifically proven to boost your mood. 
• Referring them to Compassionate Care Management of CNY for in-home care. 

In most cases, depression cannot be prevented, but committing to a healthy lifestyle can benefit your mental health in the long term. We want to help you set yourself up for success in leading that healthy lifestyle. 

Six Activities to Promote Mental Health in Older Adults 

1. 1. Stimulate the mind– just as our muscles need exercise to stay strong, our mind needs stimulation to avoid age-related decline. You could do things like, read, learn something new, do puzzles, play mind games, or play an instrument. 
   2. Maintain and cultivate friendships– to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation it is important to stay in contact with those that are most important to you. Even if that means learning new methods of communication like Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype. And remember… It’s never too late to make new friends! 
   3. Participate in physical activity– staying physically active is important for both the mind and the body, reducing the risk of falls and many other age-related problems. Physical activity has also been proven to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression in older adults. 
   4. Find a Hobby– dig out that old “bucket list” and start checking things off of it! It is important to remain active after retirement. Studies have shown that hobbies help to increase the neuroplasticity of the brain. Participating in hobbies will also provide you with a sense of belonging.
   5. Get a Pet– furry friends can make great companions, and the CDC says that there have been several studies that show that having a pet can have many benefits. Including improved fitness, increased happiness, decreased stress, decreased blood pressure, less feelings of loneliness, and more opportunities to socialize. If you’re an animal lover, but you’re unable to own a pet, you could try volunteering at your local animal shelter. 
   6. Volunteer– Volunteering for a good cause can be rewarding at any age, but it can be especially beneficial to older adults. Leaving them feeling valued and needed. Volunteering can help improve mental, emotional, and physical health. There are plenty of organizations always looking for volunteers, and who knows… you might make a new friend and get some physical activity– both beneficial for your mental health as we previously mentioned. 

How Can Compassionate Care Management of CNY Help You?

It is important to understand that depression does not define you, it is an imbalance of the chemicals in your brain and there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help for it. You are not alone in this. Compassionate Care Management of CNY can:

• Help you implement a healthy lifestyle that will promote mental health. 
• Offer in-home mental health services.
• Answer any questions that you may have and provide you with resources pointing you in the right direction, to ensure that you get the proper care that you need.

If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from mental illness and you’re unsure of how to handle it, contact us today so that we can get you back to the quality of life that you deserve. 

Age well by living your life to the fullest and getting the proper care and support when you need it. My name is Eileen, and I want to make sure that you have everything you need in order to live a happy healthy life. Reach out to me today to schedule your free consultation.