According to a July 2024 report from Axios Dallas, the population of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, grew by 6.1% from 2020 to 2023. Even more impressive is that, among all age brackets, the 65+ range grew the most, registering a 15% increase.
All those figures show that the Dallas, TX, area is senior-friendly. However, it also brings to light the potential problems that many older adults experience, such as depression. While anyone may experience this mental health problem, seniors, especially those who live alone, are more susceptible.
Fortunately, many healthy aging practices that serve as coping mechanisms for depression exist. Read on, as the compassionate team at Caruth Haven Court, our Dallas assisted living and memory care community, has compiled this guide to share emotional wellness tips and strategies for managing depression in elderly adults.
WebMD says that one in four older adults has a mental health problem. Depression and dementia are the most common, with 5% to 7% of adults 60 and over experiencing them.
The good news is that exercise can help not just with depression but also dementia.
During exercise, the body releases endorphins. They are natural chemicals and neurotransmitters that serve as messengers in the nervous system.
Harvard Health Publishing says there are about 20 different types of endorphins. They act as natural painkillers, creating positive feelings and sensations of well-being.
The feelings of wellness that exercise-generated endorphins create can help seniors experiencing depressive symptoms by:
In addition, exercise provides a much-welcome break from daily stressors and worries, helping promote optimal emotional and mental health in aging. By engaging in these activities, older adults can think about something else that's better and healthier for their minds and bodies instead of dwelling on unpleasant thoughts and wallowing in feelings of depression.
Exercise can also help seniors feel more confident and improve their overall well-being. For example, the U.S. CDC explains that regular physical activity benefits adults 65 and older by:
All those benefits also help seniors remain more in control and independent, which can further avert depression. For instance, exercise can reduce the risk of falls that can lead to disabling, depression-inducing injuries by improving balance and coordination.
An article on ScienceDirect.com says that nature exposure can benefit people by:
All those benefits can be invaluable for older adults experiencing depressive symptoms. Luckily, seniors in Dallas, TX, have easy and convenient access to many gardens and parks, such as:
All those green spaces are ideal for seniors to relax, exercise, or socialize. They're also just a few short miles from Caruth Haven Court, our beautiful and welcoming senior living community in Dallas, TX.
Social connections refer to a person's experiences of being close to others, whether family members, friends, or neighbors. It involves different emotions, including feelings of being:
Individuals with high-quality social connections feel a sense of belonging and receive the care and support they need.
Older adults who have no social connections can experience the following:
Aging can make older adults particularly vulnerable to isolation and social disconnection. For example, seniors may lose loved ones and friends or develop conditions that make it more challenging to get out of the house and socialize.
Older adults in Dallas, TX, still have many ways to stay social, such as through:
Our assisted living and memory care community in Dallas, TX, makes it easier for our residents to socialize by providing them easy access to a full calendar of daily events and activities. From fitness classes to movie nights, game sessions, and TED Talks, we offer many activities to help them stay engaged and connected.
For seniors in Dallas struggling with depression, please know that you can find support through various avenues, including:
The above organizations provide counseling, support, and resources for individuals, including older adults, with mental health problems, including depression. Please reach out to them if you or an aging family member requires immediate assistance.
Engaging in regular exercise, spending time in nature, maintaining existing and building new social connections, and seeking specialized support can all be helpful coping mechanisms for depression. The most important thing to remember here is that help and support are always available, whether from family members, friends, or non-profit organizations.
Are you or an older loved one considering transitioning to a senior living community to enjoy your golden years to the fullest instead of worrying about mental health woes? If so, we invite you to explore Caruth Haven Court! Our beautiful senior living community in Dallas, TX, looks forward to showing you how we help our residents age with grace, happiness, and a sense of life satisfaction.
Call us today to arrange a tour, and we'll be happy to provide one with a complimentary gourmet lunch for you and a guest.