Aging adults deserve to live out their golden years in total happiness. Yet the years after retirement are often fraught with painful events that can leave seniors vulnerable to depression. Your senior loved one may also experience health issues associated with a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms. These strategies all work well for helping older adults avoid the pitfalls of depression in the senior years.
Start an Exercise Regimen
A person’s mood is heavily influenced by his or her body. The bodies of older adults produce fewer hormones compared to when they were younger, which can sometimes lead to poor moods. Regular exercise stimulates mood-boosting hormones that can provide more chances to feel happiness. While your loved one may groan at the workouts in the beginning, finishing them also provides a sense of accomplishment.
Depression is just one of the many health issues that can make it challenging to accomplish daily tasks. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Be Aware of Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can cause seniors to experience changes in their mood. If these mood changes go on too long, your loved one may begin to develop the signs of depression. Ask the doctor about how any new medication could impact your loved one’s mood. The doctor can also tell you if a new health diagnosis places your loved one at risk for depression so you can take further preventative action.
Help Them Find Exciting Hobbies
A senior who has something fun to do each day is less likely to ruminate on negative thoughts. Give your loved one a reason to wake up in the morning by helping him or her find a hobby. The ideal hobby should be challenging enough that your loved one has something to work toward, but it should also provide a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of focusing on something enjoyable for a while. Gardening, knitting, woodworking, and cooking are a few potential hobbies that can stave off depression.
Engaging in hobbies can boost quality of life in the golden years. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care Clearwater families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Find Ways for Them to Contribute to the Community
Volunteering is a known natural remedy for depression. Spending time helping others allows seniors to take their focus off their own problems. Seniors also tend to develop depression when they feel as though they’re no longer useful to others. Whether your loved one serves food at a soup kitchen, packs boxes for soldiers, or serves as a point of contact for schoolchildren who stay home alone, being involved in the community can provide a sense of importance.
Create Opportunities to Socialize Every Day
Being home alone for too long is a major risk factor for depression. People need to have some sort of social contact every day. Make sure to call your loved one on days when you can’t visit. If you live too far away to visit often, arrange for a caregiver to stop by and engage your loved one in activities, such as taking walks or playing board games. Your loved one can also utilize online resources, such as social media, to find someone to talk to.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful solution if your loved one needs companionship and socialization. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Clearwater, FL, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (727) 330-7862 today.