Depression can affect people of all ages at different junctions in their life. However, it has been shown that seniors often bear a heavier burden in this regard. While senior depression is often common, many diagnoses may not be recognized because symptoms are overshadowed by other medical conditions or life events (e.g., stroke, loss of a loved one, etc.). Depression in seniors can be the result of many things, but most notably feelings of isolation.
“I moved in January 2 with the idea of staying until April 2nd, after two weeks, there was just so much to do, and I had not realized how lonely I was since my husband had passed. I thought I was doing fine, which basically I was. This community has many amenities. I do take advantage of a lot of the activities. I love trivia, bingo, the music programs and the friends I have met at wine time.” – Adele, StoryPoint Resident
The older someone gets, the more likely it is that he or she will be living alone. With the number of children families have trending downwards, it is less likely that seniors in the future will have many family members to spend time with. It is estimated that about one in six seniors suffers from isolationism and likely has related feelings of loneliness and depression.
Combat Senior Isolationism With Senior Living
The best ways for seniors to deter feelings of loneliness are to participate in group activities, get a lot of face-to-face time with friends and family and to start up a hobby. Moving into a senior living community can help achieve all these things under one roof.
Group Activities
Spending time with peers often eliminates feelings of isolationism. Most senior living communities offer many opportunities to meet new friends while simultaneously offering event calendars full of concerts, book club, exercise classes, trips to local restaurants, poker night, art shows, performance theater and much more.
Face-to-Face Time
Senior living communities create an environment of engagement and opportunities for socialization. Face-to-face interactions can make seniors feel more connected to the world around them and less alone.
If a senior doesn’t have a lot of family members or their family lives far away, it is nice for him or her to interact with other residents daily. This might mean eating in the dining room each night with friends or participating in the morning aerobics class with other residents.
Hobby Participation
Senior living communities also offer a chance for residents to revisit an old hobby like playing euchre or participating in the community choir. Taking up a new or old pastime can not only enrich the lives of seniors but also empower them to embrace their independence.
If you or a loved on is experiencing feelings of loneliness or depression, consider visiting senior living communities in your area. You can often take a tour of these communities and meet residents to hear what they think about the community. For more tips on how to combat senior isolationism, reach out to one of our Community Specialists today.
