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Depression isn’t just having “the blues” or feeling low when grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s a medical condition which is treatable, just like any other condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.  Depression in the Elderly Depression is a common problem among the elderly, but isn’t a normal part of aging. There are many factors that contribute to this mental health condition in older adults, like declining health, death of a spouse, transitioning from work into retirement, etc.  All these life changes which happen as you get older may cause feelings of uneasiness, sadness, and stress. Many seniors regain their emotional balance after a period of adjustment, but others don’t and gradually fall into depression.  Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression in seniors Some of the most common symptoms of depression in the elderly are: Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism Irritability and restlessness ...

Many older adults have trouble falling asleep, causing a daytime fatigue so overwhelming that they are unable to drive properly or take part in various normal activities. There are many changes in the sleeping patterns that people experience as they age, like having less deep sleep, feeling sleepy too early, waking up too early, waking up tired every day, etc. Before finding out the solution to sleep problems in the elderly, it is important to understand what causes them. Shared below are some common causes of sleep problems in seniors: Poor sleep habits & sleep environment – Irregular sleep hours, alcohol consumption before bedtime, switching on the TV when it is time to sleep, etc. are some of the things that are sure to get you disturbed sleep. So, make sure that your bedtime rituals are conducive to sound sleep, and you room is dark, quiet, and comfortable.  Medical conditions – People in old age often suffer from one or more health conditions that interfere wit...

As you age, your skin becomes thinner, drier, less supple, easier to injure, and slower to heal. That’s why seniors are prone to various skin problems, such as itching or pruritus; senile purpura or purple spots that are caused due to thinning of the skin & frailty of the blood vessels; etc. Practicing a healthy skincare routine is the key to preventing these common skin problems in your senior years.  Here’s what your skincare routine should include as you age! Use a Good Moisturizer  The aging skin does not retain moisture easily. Hence, using a good moisturizer is a must for every senior. It should be applied not only on the face, but also on the neck & arms many times a day. You should preferably look for a moisturizing cream containing natural ingredients, like Vitamin A and E, cucumber extract, aloe vera, etc.  Avoid Hard Soaps on the Skin Be gentle with your skin. Do not use hard soaps as they contain many chemicals that are harsh for senior...

There are many reasons why seniors tend to lose their appetite, such as slowing metabolism rate, changes in the sense of smell and taste, gastrointestinal changes, side-effects from medication, etc. However, it does not change the fact that their body needs enough nourishment to keep them healthy through their golden years & help them effectively deal with various age-related medical conditions. So, here are some ways to stimulate their appetite. Create a Mealtime Routine   If your senior loved one does not have a set eating schedule, make sure they start eating at the same times every day. Creating a mealtime routine would train their body as well as mind to expect & look forward to an upcoming meal.  Offer To Eat With Them  According to studies, loneliness and depression are associated with loss of appetite in the elderly. So, if you offer to eat meals with them on a regular basis, you will see a gradual increase in their appetite. Apart from this, y...