What You Need To Know About Depression With Seniors in Edmonton, AB

Edmonton Senior Health  |  January 14, 2020

Seniors with Depression | Leading a happy, meaningful life is something we all strive for. However, as we age and age-related difficulties start to occur, it can be increasingly hard to enjoy life. In Canada, more and more people older than 60 are depressed, with estimates that a whopping 1.8 million seniors live with mental health problems and illnesses.

Why is it crucial for Seniors with Depression to take care of their mental health?

• Seniors who are lonely and socially isolated have an almost 60% higher risk of mental and physical issues than their socially active counterparts, according to Forbes.
• Social isolation has the same effect on seniors as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, reports AARP.org.
• Depression increases the risk of heart disease and premature death, as claimed by WebMD.

Common signs of depression in older adults include attitude and behavior changes, isolation and withdrawal in themselves, weight loss, and lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

While all of this may sound grim, the good news is that seniors with depression can improve their mental health and consequently quality of life through pleasurable activities like:

• Exercising – Engaging in physical activity comes with a range of health benefits not just for the body but for the mind too. However, please make sure to speak with your loved one’s medical team before they engage in any type of exercise routine.
• Connecting with others – Many seniors become socially isolated due to mobility issues, inability to drive a car or distance from loved ones. Luckily, there are ways to overcome these problems. For instance, you can hire a professional caregiver, include transportation services in your parent’s care plan, and also make use of technology that promotes connections, like mobile phones and computers.
• Volunteering – Helping others in need can enable your loved one to regain a sense of purpose and at the same time contribute to their community.
• Doing what they love – Your loved one should focus on senior-friendly hobbies and activities that make them happy, including dancing, gardening or playing games.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton Can Help

If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients’ exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office.

If you live in the Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain area, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton  is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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