Don’t miss these signs of your elderly loved one’s depression

Aging comes with tough realities. Seniors may face the death of friends, family and even a spouse. They may face health and medical problems. Some may take more than a dozen medications each day.

More than 6 million Americans ages 65 and older live with some form of depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

People wrongly assume that feeling down is a normal part of aging. Many seniors spend most of their time alone, so few are around to notice their depression or distress.

When left untreated, depression can interfere with the lives of elderly loved ones, decreasing their quality of life and taking a toll on their health and wellbeing.

Seniors with depression are at higher risk for illness, prescription drug abuse, alcohol abuse and even suicide.

What can put your loved one at greater risk for depression

The factors that attribute to senior depression and social isolation can include:

• Living alone

• Major life transitions or losses

• Disabilities, illnesses, pain, or other health problems

• Medications that cause feelings of depression or can exacerbate feelings

• Anxiety over health, finances, household, and family

• Psychological or cognitive challenges

Know the signs of senior depression

Depression has many symptoms, both physical and mental. Sadness may not be the main symptom. Here are other signs to know:

• Decreased energy or fatigue

• Difficulty sleeping (falling asleep, staying asleep), or sleeping too much, especially during the day

• Feelings of anger, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness

• Ignoring hobbies, losing interest in activities and previously enjoyed pastimes

• Irritability

• Neglect of personal care and hygiene (including forgetting medications, self-care, and other similar activities)

• Weight loss and loss of appetite

• Withdrawing socially, isolating him or herself from friends, family and other individuals, unwilling to leave home

What you can do

• If you’re worried about your loved one, start with your doctor and a physical.

• Consider hiring a professional caregiver who can foster a caring and compassionate relationship with your loved one. He or she can assist with grooming, meal preparation and the daily activities of living.

• Keep your loved one connected and engaged as much as possible to avoid social isolation that can lead to depression.

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Visiting Angels provides non-medical assistance in the Lakes Region and can assist with transportation to eye appointments. For more information call 603-366-1993.