Most humans strive to live healthy lives and pursue happiness. They work to achieve a balance between their mental and physical well-being throughout the stages of their lives.

When thinking about senior wellness, it’s typically associated with dementia prevention or physical health. However, many forget seniors may also struggle with more serious issues, such as depression and loneliness.

Facts about Senior Depression

According to Mental Health America, approximately one out of 17 seniors, ages 65 or over, suffer from some depression. Also, this same group of seniors accounts for an estimated 20 percent of all suicide deaths in the U.S.

As a person ages, changes often occur that cause them to experience sadness and stress. Making a transition from working each day to retirement, the diagnosis of a serious illness or the death of a loved one can make anyone feel unhappy, anxious, and uneasy. It may also contribute to depression as time passes.

The good news is, there are some things that family members and friends of seniors can do to help prevent cases of depression. Keep reading to learn what these things are and how Pegasus Senior Living can help, too.  

Learn Something New or Participate in a Hobby

It doesn’t matter if the senior is continuing a hobby they have enjoyed for a while or starting a brand new one; it gives them something to look forward daily. Some activities or hobbies a senior can consider participating in include crochet knitting, Tai Chi, dancing, or choirs.

Each of these activities allows a senior to interact with people their own age.

Accessories, Technology, and Other Types of Resources

When it comes to senior wellness, there are all types of technology that are not available for seniors. Many of these things can help to combat loneliness.

One example is a home assistant. Digital assistant devices such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home can help to make day-to-day routines much easier thanks to the voice-activated technology. Everything is voice activated, which makes it much easier for a senior to use.

Adopt a Pet

Owning a pet is going to provide the senior with unconditional love along with companionship. This can also help to give a senior a sense of purpose.

Pet ownership also helps to encourage increased social interaction and a more active lifestyle. With a pet, the senior is forced to become more active and walk and feed the pet regularly. This can also help with memory, as they have to remember to care for the pet each day.


Support from Families and Friends

Many seniors don’t want to admit they need help. The main reason is that they don’t want to be a burden.

However, family members can stop by regularly to visit their senior loved one, take them on outings, and spend time talking. It’s also a good idea to take some time to participate in social activities with the senior. All this can help combat cases of loneliness.

Seniors Can Beat Loneliness

The good news is, seniors can overcome cases of loneliness. Their family should try to use the tips here to ensure that their loved one isn’t lonely during this often-challenging part of their life.

Being informed is the best way to ensure seniors don’t get lonely.