Preventing depression in elderly family and friends
Proper nutrition and exercise are important
To help safeguard against the onset of depression, elderly adults should take care of their overall health, says Elizabeth Harris, RN, APRN, BC, health education coordinator for Behavioral Health at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. That includes eating a well-balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and regular exercise.
"Exercise is an important way to prevent depression and treat it if it should occur," says Harris.
Relatives or caregivers of the elderly need to remember the benefits of exercise. Scheduling a half-hour stroll on a daily basis with an elderly mom or uncle can help. "It is remarkably helpful. There’s no pressure to talk, but the person has the company and gets exercise," says Harris.
Learning stress-management techniques is another way to avoid depression. Taking a yoga class or doing deep-breathing exercises are two examples.
When a person makes one of the changes connected with growing old, it is helpful to plan it in a way that will make the transition easier, says Harris. For example, when moving out of a house they have lived in for 45 years, the elderly should arrange to have other people sell the excess furniture they no longer need and help with the entire moving process.
It’s also important for the elderly to arrange regular visits with family members during the transition so they do not feel isolated. Anything they can do to make the change a little easier is a good idea, she says.
Friendships are extremely important to prevent social isolation. The elderly should get involved in clubs, their church or synagogue, a senior citizen center, or volunteer opportunity so they interact with other people regularly, says Harris.
To help safeguard against the onset of depression, elderly adults should take care of their overall health, says Elizabeth Harris, RN, APRN, BC, health education coordinator for Behavioral Health at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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