According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), depression is a common mood disorder in the elderly that often goes undiagnosed. Causes of elderly depression include trouble adapting to a life changes, family changes, chronic pain and illness, loss of a close friend or spouse, difficulty getting around and frustration with memory loss. Some patients do not want to use medication to treat their depression symptoms. Since loneliness is the leading cause of elderly depression, group interaction can greatly help with symptoms. In addition, therapy and physical activity are other natural remedies for elderly depression.
Group Activities
"Sometimes relieving loneliness through group outings, volunteer work or having regular visitors can help with depression," according to the NIH. Elderly depression patients can join senior groups that have monthly or weekly outings. Patients can also reach out to neighbors, friends or family members to have people visit. If the patient is disabled, she may qualify for an outreach group that would send a volunteer to visit the patient. If the patient can leave her home, she can participate in a volunteer project where she can interact with other people. Any in-person interaction can greatly help with the depression symptoms.
Therapy
One natural remedy that works for all types of depression is therapy. However, elderly depression patients will benefit from therapy even more due to the one-on-one interaction with a therapist, or interaction with multiple people through group therapy. According to the NIH, "many older people will not admit to the signs and symptoms of depression, for fear that they will be seen as weak or crazy. Some older people may be aware of their depression, but believe that nothing can be done about it." Therapy can help these patients talk through their insecurities, negative behavior and how to cope with the symptoms. However, the benefits of therapy may not be immediate, as some elderly patients can be hesitant to open up to a therapist.
Exercise
According to the NIH, "short-term (about 12 weeks) group-based physical exercise programs involving walking or other forms of aerobic exercise can reduce depression in older adults." Exercise can help patients control symptoms by releasing tension and providing a different focus. Also, group-based physical exercise programs allow for interaction with other people. The authors of the article "Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly" point out that even patients confined to a wheelchair or otherwise physically restrained can still participate in some form of exercise; however, these patients should do their exercises under supervision to prevent any injuries.
