Keeping Seniors Upbeat

Senior citizens are coming to the end of their lives and depending on what kind of life they’ve lived; they could be slipping into a depressive state. This depression may be caused by things like dementia or diminishing health. The best caregivers around are the ones that can provide the elderly with the best care possible and keep them comfortable. Keeping seniors in an upbeat mood might not be easy, but there are some things that you can try. If you know someone that is dealing with an elderly loved one that seems to be in a depressive or lonely state, take notes of the following things and see if they might help cheer them up. Because seniors have not worked in some time and might have even lost a loved one, it is going to be tough for them to look “at the bright side of things”.

If you know a senior that is in a nursing home and might not be feeling that social, try and suggest activities they can do with the rest of the staff and residents. Many times, nursing homes will hold craft fairs, bingo games or even weekly dances for the seniors to stay active and participate in. This gives them a sense of belonging and can truly give their mood a boost. Craft fairs give the seniors a reason to make things with their creative minds to sell or show off to others that might come to visit. Getting together to participate in a scrapbooking session might be just the thing to liven up someone that has been quite sad and distant in recent weeks. If the elderly have a hobby like knitting or crochet, they should be allowed to continue that even if they have been moved into a nursing home or retirement community.

Staying social is key with elderly folks. As long as they can find someone to talk to, the effect on their mind and attitude is tremendous. Feelings of loneliness and depression can really put someone in a bad place. Going to plays, church or other organized gatherings can help to keep the mind sharp and even allow some to meet new friends. Playing cards with another person, doing a puzzle throughout the week or even just reading books together can be a few activities that help bring a mood up. Allowing seniors to be creative will give them a sense of accomplishment when they finish a project, while at the same time allow them time to do something they are good at.

Caregivers are typically encouraged to get seniors to participate in activities and other things like gardening, fishing or even painting and dancing. Sitting in a room all day listening to the TV or radio can be really tough on the brain and that will affect the mood of anyone. These types of activities will help to keep elderly adults mentally, socially and otherwise engaged through the last years of their life. Because things like dementia and other cognitive diseases can sneak up out of nowhere, it is important to allow the seniors to use their brain whenever possible. Health can also play a role in a person’s happiness, so it is important that, if possible, the elderly are allowed to exercise or at least walk each day. Getting the heart pumping and the blood flowing has never hurt anyone. The overall mood of senior citizens can often stay positive just by staying busy.

If you have a senior loved one that is being stubborn and might not want to participate in anything like what is listed above, then you might have another issue on your hands. The senior might need treatment for dementia or other mental diseases that could be causing depression and once that is done, then the caregivers or family members can work on the overall mood of the person. Keeping seniors happy and upbeat might not be the easiest thing to accomplish, but with the activities mentioned above the path might not be as bumpy.