Depression in the senior population can cause different symptoms than it does in younger people. Because depression may manifest itself differently in older adults, symptoms are often overlooked.
For instance, many seniors experience lack of appetite, physical fatigue or sleep problems as their primary symptom of depression. Others may experience cognitive decline or problems with attention span, while others may experience physical aches and pains or problems with mood.
These symptoms are often seen as normal side effects of growing old. They may even be interpreted as early symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
All of these factors contribute to issues in recognizing and diagnosing serious mental health problems like depression in an older adult.
Because symptoms can be confusing, it’s important for family and friends to know
the key risk factors for depression in seniors.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
these are the biggest risk factors for depressive symptoms in the elderly:
If your senior loved one has experienced these risk factors, it’s important to pay close attention to their mental health, mood, energy levels and appetite.
Mental and physical health are inextricably linked. For seniors, the physical health challenges that accompany aging can have a negative impact on mental health and happiness.
The CDC reports that up to 80% of seniors have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more chronic conditions. A chronic illness may force previously active and socially engaged seniors to make huge lifestyle changes to accommodate their new limitations. Other seniors may find it hard to address their own aging and mortality.
Being diagnosed with certain medical conditions may particularly contribute to depression in a senior adult.
Conditions like heart disease, Parkinson’s Disease and cancer are closely linked to higher risk of depression in older adults and the elderly. Mobility problems, chronic painful conditions like arthritis and increased physical frailty can also contribute to poor mental health among seniors.
If a senior loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic condition, help them manage their symptoms and pay attention to their mental health as they adjust to their new limitations.
In-home assistance, even just a couple of days per week, can help a senior with a chronic health condition maintain a high standard of living and stay socially engaged. These benefits can help reduce the risk for loneliness, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and other factors that contribute to depression in seniors.
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are linked to an increased risk for a number of serious mental and physical health problems. These issues include obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, immune system problems, Alzheimer’s Disease, general cognitive decline, anxiety and depression.
It’s important to understand that
humans are social creatures. We crave social connection and interaction to stay engaged with the world around us. While not all seniors who live alone are at risk of feeling lonely or becoming depressed, living alone significantly contributes to feelings of loneliness.
Studies show that seniors who live alone are more likely to report symptoms of depression, especially if they lived in a neighborhood with low social activity.
If you have a senior loved one who lives alone, you may rightfully worry about his or her risk of becoming depressed or anxious. However, there are ways you can help your loved one get more social interaction.
In-home caregivers can help seniors get more social interaction in a variety of ways. Professional caregivers can provide friendly, compassionate social interaction while also supporting and assisting a senior in the home. Caregivers can also offer transportation for seniors who can no longer drive. This allows seniors to travel to social events, take part in hobbies outside the home and socialize more easily with friends who live close by.
Even if you don’t live close to your elderly loved one, you can still help them stay socially engaged. An in-home caregiver is an easy way to provide your loved one with person-to-person interaction, as well as help completing the activities of daily living.
Many of us struggle with convincing our elderly loved ones to seek treatment for depression or mental health concerns. Even if your loved one refuses clinical treatment such as talk therapy, medication or ongoing counseling, it’s still important to be aware of important mental health resources for seniors.
These Arkansas mental health resources can help you navigate mental health concerns with your aging loved one:
Are you concerned about social isolation or loneliness in a senior loved one? An in-home senior caregiver can help relieve loneliness, provide vital in-home support, encourage exercise and nutrition, and provide important transportation for your loved one.
First Choice Senior Care is one of the top-rated agencies for in-home senior care in Central Arkansas.
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
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