Senior Health and Wellbeing | January 14, 2020
Depression In The Elderly | Regardless of how old we are, we must live meaningful, active lives and stay socially connected with both friends and family and our community. Unfortunately, as we get older, it can become more challenging for us to live life to the fullest. According to some estimates, over 1.8 million Canadians aged 60 or older live with mental health problems that make it hard for them to make the most out of their senior years.
Why is it important for seniors to address their mental health issues?
The most common symptoms of depression include changes in behavior, fatigue, sleep disorders, weight loss, and self-isolation accompanied by a lack of interest in once pleasurable activities.
If you noticed one or more of these signs in your parent, the following activities can help your loved one stop feeling blue, boost their mental health, and look at things from a more positive perspective:
Exercise – A senior-friendly exercise regimen will not only help your parents to increase their strength, balance, and coordination, it can also have a positive effect on their mental health and help them start feeling good about themselves for a change.
Connection – Staying connected with family and friends is very important for maintaining a high quality of life in golden years. Loneliness and depression often occur when seniors cannot drive, experience health and mobility issues, or have loved ones who live far away. Scheduling services such as professional home care or incidental transportation and using FaceTime of Skype to maintain social connections can help prevent this barrier.
Charity and volunteer work – Trying to make a positive difference in the community can bring a sense of purpose and make your loved one feel content. Mom or Dad can opt for volunteering in one of the many local organizations that include senior-friendly activities in their programs.
Spending time on joyful activities – Whether it is music, carpentry, dancing, or gardening, hobbies, and favorite pastime activities can make your loved one feel happy.
Comfort Keepers is the leading provider of customized home care services in Canada, helping older adults to remain living independently at home while making continuous efforts to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Our loving caregivers can significantly boost your loved one’s quality of life by providing meaningful companionship and assistance with homemaking tasks, daily chores, meal preparation, transportation to appointments, and more. Contact us to schedule a free consultation for our home care in Vancouver, BC.
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