Elderly depression is real and your aging parents may be going through this. Find our what elderly depression is and look out for red flags in your loved ones.

Aging is another milestones that the elderly or seniors go through. In fact, no one can escape it and everyone has to go through it as we go through life. 

For the elderly at this stage, there are many changes that are happening to their bodies and to the world around them. These changes can often pose as challenges and they can go through situations that can make them feel lonely, isolated, and even depressed.

Truth be told, elderly depression happens in many seniors and we don’t ever realize, much more acknowledge, it. Elderly depression may even easily develop as they also struggle with various illnesses and discomforts.

Elderly Depression Signs

Elderly depression can result to the many changes that are happening to the various aspects of your elderly loves ones’ life. Even the person who is suffering from it may not even know about it.

One of the reasons that seniors experience depression is due to their developing sickness, as well as to their feelings of isolation. It may also be due to a lack of purpose as the world around them changes and they feel like they no longer have a role to play after retiring from their jobs.

Signs of elderly depression include:

• sadness for long periods of time
• feeling despair
• feeling hopeless about the future or the present
• weight loss or lack of appetite
• unexplained aches and pains
• lack of motivation
• decreased self-worth
• feeling overwhelmed about the situation
• self-loathing
• blaming one’s self
• believing self to be a burden
• loss of interest in socializing or going out
• slowed movement
• slowed speech
• fixation on the idea of dying
• neglecting personal hygiene and sanitation
• memory problems
• thoughts about suicide
• increased alcohol or drug use

Take note that elderly depression may also be a by-product of certain conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and lupus, among many others. It may also be a side effect of certain medications.

It’s still best to consult a physician and psychologist to get a proper diagnosis of depression as well as to get necessary treatment.

To lift your elderly parents’ spirits, you may try having them go to assisted living or adult daycare facilities such as Blessed Home so they can go out, socialize, and engage with others while enjoying different activities. Call or text us at 09178560623.