5 Top Ways to Manage Moods Over 60

Many young people think people over 60 are just sad. Often what appears to be sadness is the effects of illness that can be corrected. In most circumstances, sadness can be managed, and renewed happiness and joy can be experienced by folks over 60.

Upstate New York senior care facilities are concerned with providing the best quality of life standards for their senior residents. A leading expert in separating the illness symptoms of senior patients from their co-existing depression is Dr. Karen Swartz from John Hopkins. She tells us that when patients focus on their illness, they tend to delay full recovery.

Senior care in New York has valuable information on seven medically proven ways to offer improvement for a senior resident's depression or moods of sadness, even when dealing with chronic illness. This is why the staff in Upstate New York senior care facilities work on treating symptoms of illness simultaneously with treating their depression as well.

1. Conquer the fear of falling. This is a legitimate concern among seniors, and it can inhibit normal willingness to be active. Taking classes like Tai Chi is an activity that can improve balance. An approved physical activity and even some weight training can be a remarkable treatment for stamina and balance to avoid falls.
2. Sleep well, eighty percent of depressed patients experience interrupted sleep and waking very early in the mornings. A simple way to help patients sleep well at night and reduce the effects of depression is to maintain a regular bedtime every night and to get up at the same time every morning. One solution to making sure a senior can fall asleep and increase their REM sleeping patterns is to reduce and even eliminate any sources of caffeine.
3. Getting online is proven to reduce depression by 20 percent in senior citizens. Whether it is an opportunity to talk with family, view photos of loved ones on Facebook or playing games online. This positive interaction stimulates positive brain patterns that interrupt the signals in the brain that prolong depression.
4. Exercise - even for residents over 80 years who have never exercised in their lives, will find they experience fewer declines in their quality of life, feel less lonely and are more likely to remain independent.
5. Have a purpose, whether it is babysitting so your granddaughter can have a date night with her husband, or helping other residents recycle, if you have a reason to get up every morning, your days will be filled with worthwhile activity and your life will be more enjoyable.

The author is passionate about senior care and writes extensively about the senior residences in New York and the facilities which provide senior care in Harrietstown.