Ageing brings many changes to deal with including reduced mobility, illness and changes in personal circumstances. It can for some mean the onset of mood disturbances.
Dealing With Low Mood in the Elderly
Until fairly recently depression in the elderly was woefully misunderstood with many suffering symptoms of low mood or depressive illness written off as showing the normal ‘grouchiness’ of old age. Changes in mood can come about through things like a loss of independence and mobility, common in older people. A recent report by the Live-in Care Hub found that the vast majority of elderly people would prefer to receive care at home, in the form of home care services or live-in care instead of a residential care home.
There’s no doubt that being in your own home surrounded by the familiar things and people that you love is better for overall health and wellbeing but for some older people, struggling with the trials of old age can still cause low mood and depressive symptoms.
Symptoms of Low Mood
It can be hard to quantify exactly what is meant by low mood. Sometimes there are reasons behind these feelings and sometimes people can feel low despite there being no obvious reason. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Excessive tiredness and sleep disturbance
- Lack of enthusiasm and unwillingness to engage in daily activities
- Sadness
- Feelings of panic or anxiety
- Worrying about things they never used to worry about
- Frustration or anger
- Lack of energy
- Increased aches and pains
In some cases a low mood can be temporary and go away after a few days but sometimes it can hang around. At the first signs of a change in mood you need to be ready to help.
Talk to Find the Reasons for their Low Mood
Talking is the best first course of action to find out the reasons behind the change in mood. There could be a myriad of reasons for it and these could include worry about finances, inability to cope with bereavement or increased physical illness of some description. Where you suspect a physical illness or change of any kind a visit to the GP or community nurse could help. Something as simple as a change in medication could make all the difference.
If money worries are an issue arranging to sit down and go through their finances or arranging to see a financial expert may provide a solution. When families care for elderly relatives it can sometimes be difficult to raise the issue of money but avoiding talking could be detrimental to the older person’s health.
Feelings of bereavement can arise not only from the loss of a spouse, partner or family member but also from the loss of a pet, a friend or even the old way of life. Bereavement and feelings of loss can be complex but don’t necessarily need complex solutions. Simply sitting down and talking – maybe just once is needed or it could be everyday – can make the world of difference in how a person feels and deals with day to day life.
Change the Routines
A certain amount of routine is essential but sometimes it can be boring. In this case a change of routine could be the ideal prescription. A daily walk, trip to the pub or shopping trip can be enough to lift the mood.
ugh to lift the mood.
