1. Monitor Medications and Diet
Review your prescription medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Possible causes of depression in the elderly include drugs prescribed for heart disease and high blood pressure, steroids, pain relievers and tranquilizers. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, ask whether depression is a possible side effect. If so, keep close tabs on your emotional state and report any changes to your doctor right away. Adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication may stem depression.
2. Fill Your Dance Card
Ward off loneliness, isolation and depression by staying active. Make several standing dates each week, so that activities are scheduled in advance. For example, walk with a friend every Wednesday morning, attend religious services with neighbors during the weekend, lunch with a family member on Tuesday or play cards once a month with former coworkers. Donate some of your time, too. Studies show that volunteering boosts health and well-being in the elderly. So contribute a regular shift at your local hospital, school, shelter or any other agency that needs your help.
3. Consider a Furry Friend
Giving your dog a hug or watching a cat cavort boosts the feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Companionship isn't the only benefit, either. Feeding, grooming and walking your pet all require exercise, which can help beat depression.
4. Lift Sadness with Laughter
Whether you prefer vintage Marx Brothers or contemporary Robin Williams, you can't stay sad while you're watching a funny movie. Double the benefit by inviting someone to watch a rented film or go to the movies with you. Keep a mix of humorous reading material on your nightstand, along with those serious best sellers and magazines. Classic P.G. Wodehouse or the slightly ribald David Sedaris will give you belly laughs to lift your spirits -- and strengthen your abs, too.
5. Move Depression Aside
Thwart gloom with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Put on some music and dance; plant a new row of marigolds or a crop of herbs; walk to the post office and mail a funny card to an old friend; or valiantly clean out a cluttered closet or polish some windows. All of these count as exercise. If a medical condition limits your activity, sign up for special chair- or water-exercise classes through your health plan, local hospital or YMCA.
