By Dennis Marsh
Orange Senior Center
Dennis Marsh
Melinda Battone from Masonicare leads a bereavement group for our seniors on the first Tuesday of the month. Some who participate are new widows or widowers. I see the grief and sadness that often comes from losing a spouse. Some exhibit signs and symptoms of depression.
Depression in older adults can be hard to recognize. For some, sadness is not their primary symptom. Many feel an emotional numbness or a lack of interest in activities, while others may not be as open to talking about their feelings. Depression may make itself known through physical symptoms. Some people experience dizziness, aches and pains, weight loss, difficulty sleeping or difficulty staying asleep (insomnia). Memory loss may also be a sign of depression; many people have noticed improved memory when they receive treatment for depression.
Some people experience behavioral changes. They do not leave the house. They no longer enjoy the things they once enjoyed. Some stop eating or begin drinking more alcohol, while others hoard unimportant things. Others begin to think more about the end of life. They give away personal possessions, change their will or persistently talk about death. Suicidal thoughts should always be taken very seriously – no exceptions.
The research says that social isolation is a major cause of depression in older adults. Spending time with friends, family or in the community can help with depression. Seniors are more at risk of feeling socially isolated because their children may be grown, have moved away or are busy with the family they started. Seniors also may have suffered the loss of a pet, friends or a spouse. Additionally, health challenges, a reduced reaction time, declining eyesight and hearing loss can limit driving. They find themselves at home alone more often. Being home alone often leads to a lack of activity. There is no one around and no need to get up.
Many people fall into negative thinking, such as “why bother?” The lack of a sense of purpose leads to a lack of motivation and things spiral from there.
What can the Orange Senior Center do about senior depression? We offer plenty of activities that help alleviate social isolation. Come on out and join one of our many fitness activities that will not only give you the opportunity to meet people and build friendships but will also grow your sense of community and belonging to something bigger than yourself. Exercise also gets your blood flowing, which will increase your overall health. We have musical entertainment, which can improve your mood. Happy times lead to happy days, and happy days bring about happy weeks and build from there.
We have public speakers that stimulate the mind. A fulfilled life is one that includes growing and learning. Learning new things expands our horizons, provides new challenges, spark our minds and stimulates our interests. This gives us mental and physical stimulation, which give us something to look forward to, and for some, a reason to get out of bed.
Dennis Marsh is the senior services coordinator of Orange Community Services, which includes the Orange Senior Center. The center provides activities that promote independence, creativity, physical and emotional health, and lifelong learning for residents over the age of 55For more information on the Orange Senior Center call 203-891-4788, visit orange-ct.gov/783/Orange-Senior-Center or email dmarsh@orange-ct.gov.