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Tag: depression

The Importance of Social Connections for Seniors

While tranquility and retrospection are cherished in the golden years of life, one challenge often shadows many seniors: loneliness. As individuals age, they may experience changes in their social networks, such as the loss of friends and family members or a decrease in social activities. However, maintaining social connections is crucial for a senior’s mental, emotional, and physical health. This blog post will explore the importance of social connections for seniors and how they can positively impact their lives.

Disease Prevention

Loneliness doesn’t just weigh heavily on the soul; it has tangible impacts on physical health. Recent studies have linked chronic loneliness to a host of health issues, from heart disease to type 2 diabetes, and even depression and anxiety. Social connections, on the other hand, provide seniors with a sense of belonging and purpose. For instance, engaging in social activities and maintaining relationships can boost their self-esteem and mental health.

Related: Learn more about how to help seniors deal with depression here.

Sense of Belonging

Connections with loved ones not only enhance life’s quality and offer a feeling of security, but they also combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s crucial for feeling integrated and socially connected. Yet, as time rolls on, relationships evolve. Individuals relocate, get wrapped up in careers and family, and soon we discern the value of having a handful of close friends over numerous acquaintances. For seniors, these social ties become even more vital in fostering a sense of belonging.

Related: Learn more about signs your aging parents need immediate help at home here.

Decrease the Risk of Abuse

Elder abuse is a widespread problem affecting seniors throughout the U.S. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), about one in 10 Americans aged 60 or older have suffered from some type of abuse. Those seniors who are isolated and lack strong social ties are most vulnerable and need protection. However, linking seniors with friends and family reduces their risk of all forms of abuse. Building social bonds not only helps prevent abuse but also increases the likelihood of seniors reporting any incidents.

Find Social Connection at Home Instead Senior Care

At Home Instead Senior Care, we understand the importance of social connections for seniors. Our team of compassionate caregivers provides personalized care that promotes social engagement and companionship. Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily activities, transportation to social events, or simply someone to share a conversation with, we are here to help. Contact us today at (910) 342-0455 or visit our website to learn more about how we can support your loved one’s social well-being.

How to Help Seniors Deal with Depression

It is more evident for an elderly person to develop depression as they age. But with the right kind of care, affection, and support, one can help them cope with depression. If your elderly parents or any other senior family member is developing the symptoms of depression and you’re not sure what to do, then this article is just right for you. Here is a list of activities you can take into consideration with your senior loved one.  

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  • Encourage Them to Workout

Research has found that isolation and depression are more common in aging people, and it has directly harmed their minds and health. So, if you come across an elderly person who is suffering from depression, you can encourage them to do exercises such as walking or simple yoga. Being more physically active can help a senior stay in better emotional and mental shape. 

Related: Seniors and Their Life-Space

  • Switch to Healthier Eating

Changing their diet and incorporating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can also help in dealing with and putting an end to depression of an aging person. You can also create a diet plan and stick to it. Try cutting down on oily food and sugary drinks from their diet as these can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and weight gain. The healthier a person’s diet is, the happier he or she can become.

Related: The Hypertension Diets for Seniors

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  • Accompany and Drive Them Around

When elderly adults are unable to perform their daily day-to-day tasks like cooking, driving, washing, etc., they start to lose their confidence and the lack of self-efficacy increases their anger and stress level. They even start facing difficulties in thinking and remembering things. The only way to comfort them is to provide them with a helping hand. You can drive them around for their doctor appointments, fitness classes, grocery shopping, and so on. You can also assist them with cooking and cleaning. This way, elderly people can remain happier and physically more relaxed knowing they have someone to talk to and assist them.

  • Show Them Your Affection

The only way to keep an elderly person’s depression under control is to show them they are loved. Plus, caring for them and showing that you will always be by their side no matter what happens can also make them happy. To express your love and care, you can give them gifts, hug them often, and give them your full attention by listening to them. Besides this, you can plan trips over the weekend and for holidays.

  • Seek Professional Help

If you aren’t able to handle their behavioral changes and think their depression symptoms are getting worse, it is best to seek professional help and look towards counseling. There are several care centers now available that can help relieve the burden from your shoulders. 

Conclusion

We hope that the above-mentioned ways will help you out in taking better care of an elderly person dealing with depression. Home Instead Senior Care provides affordable 24-hour home care, meal planning, and transportation services. To learn more, you can check out our website or speak to us at (910) 342-0455. We will be happy to assist you with everything you need.

Seniors and Their Life-Space

Most young people have a very large life-space due to traveling for fun or for work. In general, when you’re younger, you have the time and energy to stay out with friends and to complete your own errands. So what happens to your life-space when you get older? In this month’s blog, we discuss the concept of life-space and what it means when it becomes more restricted with age and health issues.

What Is a Life-Space?

A life-space is the distance a person travels to perform activities within their environment and lifetime. This can range from their home to their neighborhood to the city and so on. The larger a person’s life-space is, the better their physical and psychological well-being. As seniors age, their life-space may begin to become smaller and more constricted due to health issues and having less energy. For example, being unable to drive due to worsening vision or having restricted physical capabilities due to severe arthritis. This can lead to feelings of frustration and sadness because they are unable to achieve what they were formerly able to do.

Isolation and Depression

As their life-space becomes smaller, seniors tend to spend most of their time at home. However, social isolation can be a problem for those who live alone and can negatively affect their overall mental and emotional health. According to the CDC, social isolation can significantly increase a person’s risk of premature death and is also associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia. It is also associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.

While some seniors may still have family and friends that visit and are nearby, there are many seniors who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, and the lack of mobility and transportation. Having a restricted life-space along with the lack of love ones contributes to these feelings of loneliness and isolation.

How Home Instead Can Help

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Here at Home Instead, we understand how difficult it is to be stuck at home while feeling isolated and lonely. Our CAREGivers provide companionship and will always be there for your loved one. From crafting to gardening to walks and more, we are happy to provide companionship and personal care. We also provide transportation services so seniors who are no longer able to drive themselves are still able to maintain a larger life-space. This includes activities such as doctor appointments, worship services, fitness classes, club events, and much more. With our CAREGivers on the job, your senior loved one will not be alone.

Learn More About Us

Home Instead strives to provide dependable and compassionate senior home care services. Our personalized care plans help maintain a high quality of life while providing all of the necessary support. Learn more about our home care services in Wilmington, NC by visiting our website or contacting us at (910) 342-0455. We are here to help!