You know your elderly loved one is suffering when: they start losing weight drastically, become unhygienic, or keep canceling weekly dinner with you. You may also observe that their zest and energy for life disappear, and they are no longer the happy person you knew once. These are the initial stages of depression.

Anyone can get caught in the web of depression. And the symptoms may deteriorate vital aspects of a healthy life. Unfortunately, many older adults don’t recognize the symptoms and don’t take the necessary steps to cope with them. But the great news is there are ways to change how your loved one feels, boost their mood, and make their senior years healthy and memorable. Here are the worth-reading tips.

Live-In Care

Recognize the initial signs of depression

As mentioned earlier, elders may not always realize they are depressed. However, as a responsible caregiver, you may notice certain changes.

For example, your elderly loved one may stop participating in their favorite activities or forget the importance of personal hygiene.

Moreover, you may notice visible behavioral changes, improper meal intake, low energy levels, etc.

Older adults face several challenges with aging, and some of these obstacles can be easily managed with the help of professional live-in care. They have experts that provide quality elder care to mitigate the signs of depression.

Promote healthy living

Physical activities and light exercises are the best antidepressants. Although exercise enhances physical, mental, and emotional health, research shows that it is still an underutilized treatment to cope with depression.

Depression often makes people lose interest in many things, and exercise is one of them. You need to encourage your aging parents to exercise regularly because a lack of physical activity will only make things worse.

Elder Care

Healthy/Balanced diet

A balanced diet may diminish the signs of depression and improve physical and mental well-being.

The following food may help:

• Soybean products
• Fresh fruits & green vegetables
• Whole grains
• Fish
• Green tea
• Olive oil

The following food you must avoid:

• Red meat & other meat products
• Trans fat
• Sodas & sugary desserts
• Premade baked products

This content has been taken from - 5 Ways to Prevent & Manage Signs of Depression in Older Adults