Combating Depression in Seniors

Helping to reduce depression in our senior years iscommon conditions.
key to healthy living. Multiple causes of depressionNews and other sources of information tout the
include: Disability, Decline, Diminished quality of life,benefits of red wine, due to itsanti-oxidant
Demand on caregivers and Dementia.effects. Having a daily glass of red wine is much
In order to combat senior depression, we mustdifferent than using alcohol as a way of controlling
develop creative methods to counter the multipleone's pain or mood. Be careful with your
causes of depression. This year, we make it ourconsumption of, both, alcohol and prescription pain
goal to help combat this problem by discussing 3killers.
strategies. These strategies will aid in helping to3. Try Tai Chi or Other Forms of Exercise
reduce the debilitating problem of depression.Senior depression can be contributed to by
1. Keep Medical Illness Separate While Identifyingdisability and diminished quality of life. Falls are one
Issues of Depression... and Treat Bothof the most disabling events a senior can
Depression, by itself, is complicated. Differentexperience. They can lead to fractures due to,
medical conditions, such as Parkinson's, directlynot only the fall, but from other medical conditions
affect brain chemistry.such as osteoporosis; thus, rendering one disabled
These medical conditions can mask and, or,for the rest of his life. Preventing these falls is
exacerbate depressive symptoms. Estimateskey to maintaining one's independence.
show that up to 50% of patients with conditions,Statistics show that approximately 33 percent of
such as, cancer, stroke, or heart attack canAmericans, ages 65 or older, fall at least once per
suffer from depression.year. Reducing depression, which will reduce a
Be sure there is cooperation and clearnumber of these falls, will contribute to one's
communication between your doctor and youroverall well-being.
mental health provider.This communication will helpThat said, it is important to participate in an
to clear any confusion between the physical andexercise program such as Tai Chi, Yoga, or any
the mental condition of the patient.exercise that can strengthen bones. Using certain
2. Alcohol Can Make Things Worse Whether Youforms of resistance and balance enhancing
Believe It or Nottechniques contribute to developing core strength.
Alcohol and drug abuse are prevalent amongAll of these forms of exercise contribute to
seniors over age 60. Coping with the problems ofreducing depression byreleasing natural endorphins
chronic pain and loneliness contributes to the use(nature pain reducers and mood enhancers). In
of alcohol and prescription pain medication. "I justaddition, the confidence that is gained by
need something to help me get around." is aperforming these exercises help individuals to
common reason for seniors to self medicate. Inexperience less fear of falling, due to unsteady
order to do so, they use alcohol and/or drugs, ingait or balance.
just about any combination.Depression in seniors can be a severely disabling
Remember, alcohol is a depressant. It will makeproblem, especially if left unattended. Please make
any depression worse over time, especially whensure to discuss your mood with friends, family,
the side effects wear off. Also, any combinationand loved ones, as well as your medical provider.
of alcohol and drugs can be lethal. Sometimes,There have been significant advances in the field
alcohol or pain killers can interfere with theof mood disorder; you owe it to yourself to have
benefits of other medication that seniors may bethe most fulfilled life you can have well into your
taking for diabetes, heart disease, and othersenior years.