1. Consider Therapy
While there's nothing shameful about talking to a therapist, many elderly people refuse to do so because they are afraid of being labeled as crazy or senile. If that's the case, reinforce the idea of therapy as a way of expressing out loud their fears and emotions, rather than trying to "fix" something. Also, keep in mind that there are many types of therapy available, many of which have little to do with lying on a couch talking about feelings. Elderly people may benefit more from hands-on types of therapy, such as music or art therapy, in which they are taking part in a directed activity rather than simply talking. Some nursing homes or living communities may also offer pet therapy, which has proven to be extremely successful with the elderly.
2. Talk to Your Doctor About Medication
Medication's role in depression is twofold. First of all, certain drugs can increase the chance of or directly cause depression in certain people. This is especially true of medicine prescribed for Parkinson's disease, arthritis and high blood pressure. A combination of drugs or regular intake of alcohol can worsen the symptoms. On the other hand, anti-depression medication can be a lifesaver for some elderly people who are not responding to therapy and have suicidal thoughts. Early treatment is essential, as some seniors have difficulty responding to antidepressants or have a significant sensitivity to certain drugs and may need to try a few before finding one that works.
3. Fight Isolation
Being active in the community, spending time with friends and keeping in touch with the family can all be extremely effective in the fight against depression. This is especially important for seniors who have lost their spouse or whose children have moved away. Since elderly people have less mobility, they are often confined to their home for long periods of time and lack the human interaction that can help identify and fight depression. For those elderly people who have no close family nearby, it's especially important to find social outlets where they can interact with other seniors on a regular basis. This can be as simple as taking a class, joining an outdoor club or organizing a book club that meets weekly for discussions.
