10 Ways to Help Seniors Deal with Isolation and Depression

Many older adults go through significant life changes that could make them more vulnerable to depression. But it’s heartbreaking to stand by and watch someone deal with depression or loneliness on their own. Zara Lewis shares 10 ways you can help your older adult cope with symptoms and improve their quality of life.

According to the WHO estimates, depression affects about 280 million people of all ages worldwide.

While coping with depression is tough, it’s even more difficult to watch an aging family member struggle with it.

As my depressed mother-in-law’s caregiver, I’ve come up with a list of tips I wish to share with other caregivers to make it easier for them to help an older adult deal with isolation and depression.

Helping Seniors Deal with Isolation and Depression

1. Treat Sleeping Problems

Many older adults who live alone are prone to sleeping problems, which can aggravate depression.

To prevent severe depressive episodes, see to it that the older adult keeps a regular sleep schedule and doesn’t take daytime naps.

If the person suffers from sundowning or a sleep disorder, keep engaging activities or necessary medication close at hand.

2. Promote a Sense of Purpose

Struggling with depression is much tougher for people who’ve lost their sense of purpose in life.

To keep loneliness and brooding at bay, encourage the older adult to take up a hobby such as knitting or gardening.

You can also encourage them to try social pastimes such as card playing, yoga, or volunteering for a local charity.

3. Encourage Social Interaction

Don’t let your loved one deal with depression on their own: encourage them to visit friends and extended family, take part in group outings, and attend community events.

Studies suggest that an active social life improves physical, mental, and emotional health, which are especially important for the elderly struggling with loneliness and depression.

4. Keep Seniors Physically Active

Research has found that physical activity can be a lifesaver for older adults.

Gentle exercises such as walking, stair climbing, and age-appropriate workouts can help an older adult maintain solid physical, mental, and emotional health.

You can also encourage the depressed person to sign up for a group exercise class, such as yoga or tai chi – they might even make friends with like-minded peers.

5. Make Aging Adults Eat Healthy

Help the depressed person maintain a healthy diet.

Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. 

Include a variety of proteins, such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts, and seeds.

And reduce foods with added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.

VIDEO: Dealing with Isolation and Depression in Aging Adults

6. Entrust Aging Adults with a Chore

Older adults who live alone often get caught up in a whirlwind of negative thinking. Please entrust them with a meaningful responsibility.

For mobile people, a dog makes a perfect companion, making them feel loved and needed, keeping them physically active, and serving as a social lubricant.

I’ve found caring for a plant can also be a potent mood-booster: my mother-in-law’s depression has improved since I bought her a moringa tree to look after.

7. Show Seniors They’re Loved

Love makes the world go round, and it can help keep an older adult’s depression under control.

Show aging older adults that you love and need them, listen to them, and hug them often.

Expressions of love are crucial for someone who is widowed and might need more support and affection to deal with grief.

8. Seek Professional Help

Decreases in appetite and behavioral changes can be a symptom of depression getting worse.

Contact a mental health professional and sign them up for counseling if you suspect the disorder is getting out of hand.

The therapist may recommend antidepressants, but in less severe cases, alternative medicine like aromatherapy or occupational therapy may be a better option.

9. Keep an Eye On the Pills

In case your depressed family member is using antidepressants, you should make sure they take medications regularly and follow the doctor’s orders in terms of dosage, lifestyle, and diet.

You may also need to help manage medication. Remind them to take their daily dose and watch the medicine cabinet for signs of abuse or skipped doses.

10. Consider In-Home Care

For older adults living independently, you can hire someone to check on them daily and help with day-to-day chores, such as grocery shopping and bathing.

Until I convinced my mother-in-law to move in with us, she’d been on full-time home care in San Francisco. Though it was a temporary solution, it made traveling over the holidays far less stressful knowing that she was in good hands.

Final Thoughts About Seniors and Depression

Remember, even the slightest connection can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. You don’t need to solve everything at once; simply choosing one idea to try this week can cast a lifeline of hope. Your consistent, gentle presence is the greatest gift you can offer, reminding your loved one that they are seen, valued, and deeply cared for.

By reaching out, you’re not just helping them, you’re weaving a stronger, more compassionate web of support that can lift both of your spirits.

Recommended for you:

• 3 Top Benefits of a Daily Routine for Seniors
• 5 Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Seniors
• Seniors Losing Interest in Life: 7 Ways to Help With Anhedonia

 

Guest contributor: Zara Lewis is a mom, fitness & yoga enthusiast, caregiver to her mother, and a regular writer for High Style Life. She is devoted to instilling healthy habits in every aspect of her family and friends’ lives. She loves to share her parenting tips and is always open to learning new skills, because she sees parenthood as a lifelong learning experience. She enjoys traveling, hiking, cycling, and baking.