Our senior years can be some of the most enjoyable years of our lives.
You’ve worked hard and if you’re fortunate you get to enjoy retirement, travel and spend time with family and friends. However, with aging frequently comes increased challenging medical conditions such as arthritis, dementia, strokes and depression. Mental illness, such as depression is challenging at any age, but seniors can be more susceptible due to the various changes and challenges that can affect their health and therefor their mood.
Depression is a real problem and can have significant impact on one’s health and well-being. It is not a normal part of the aging process to become depressed, however it is a common occurrence. The chances of being depressed increase when theirs a loss in ones life, which is a more common happening in our senior years; or if there are financial concerns or changes in your medical/health status.
If you believe you have signs of depression, or are concerned about a loved one, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. Your family physician can assess your mood and your situation. Your family physician may also suggest that you are seen by a specialist in this area, such as a Geriatric Psychiatrist. They specialize in seniors who have mood changes as they age. Thankfully, there are treatment options available that could include changes in diet, exercise, antidepressant medications or cognitive therapy. Results from any form of treatment can take 4-6weeks to appear, so accessing help as soon as you notice a problem is important.
Isolation and reduced social stimulation has been shown to impact an individual’s mood. An important consideration is to ensure that if you are isolated, that you reach out to friends, family or community center. Another option would be to contact a home care service that provides companionship, social stimulation or engagement activities. It is known that having a caregiver from a home care company that is knowledgeable and understands the aging population can have a positive impact on your mood, by reducing your social isolation.
For more information on how you can remain at home and stay socially active please contact Vytality at Home at 403-476-3680 or email info@vytality.ca.