Page 18 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2017- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
HUGS

NOT DRUGS by Kristi Townsen

Depression in Seniors

by Kristi Townsen

orty percent of prescription drugs sold in the United • Hold onto his arm while walking.
States are issued to senior adults. There is a pill
Ffor everything that ails you. This can be a good • Offer to give a shoulder or foot massage.
thing, but in some cases, a not-so-good thing. In many
circumstances, prevention can be a healthier solution than • Bring your pet along to place in her lap, so she can
treatment. stroke it while you visit.

Depression in seniors can frequently be a reaction to • Let him hold and rock the new baby in the family.
life changes, such as losing a spouse, loss of mobility or • Offer to take her to have a manicure/pedicure/massage.
vision, or even decreased social activity. When a senior
adult lives alone and can no longer drive, he or she must • Hug him goodbye and give him a kiss on the cheek.
depend on friends and family to take care of certain
needs. Many seniors are lucky enough to have a good The importance of a stroke, a caress, or an embrace should
community of people at their disposal. But what about not be overlooked in our interaction with seniors. It has
the folks who aren’t as fortunate? The natural reaction been shown to be a deterrent to depression. The gentle
of sadness due to these unfavorable changes may cause and nurturing art of physical contact does not require
depression to creep in. a college degree, training, or even a prescription. Each
one of us has the ability to impact a life and show real
Unrecognized and untreated depression can lead to other affection through the simplicity of touch.
problems, such as low energy, loss of appetite, sleep
deprivation, or irritability. What can we do to help?
In some cases, a prescription can treat the symptoms
of depression, but it isn’t really a cure. And it can be
frightening to read the side effects of most prescription
anti-depressants. They tell you to watch for reactions such
as nausea, weight loss, insomnia, skin rash, hypertension,
chest pain, migraine, agitation, abdominal pain, and a
host of other unpleasant conditions. It is not that you
should never take anti-depressants because in some cases, AC and HEATING
they are necessary. In other cases, a “hands-on” approach
can be a great asset in the fight against depression.
Some alternative solutions have proven to be extremely Simply Serviced. Simply Priced.
effective.
Give us a call...
One of the basic needs of human nature is our sense of 806.549.7705 Give us a call...
touch. Gentle physical contact actually results in the We will treat
We will treat
release of the hormone oxytocin. Studies show that
you RIGHT!
the discharge of oxytocin can lower blood pressure, you RIGHT!
improve pulmonary and immune functions, lower pain
levels, enhance alertness and produce a calming effect.
Unfortunately, seniors receive the least amount of touch
of all age groups. Physical contact is a beautiful form of
communication. You can tell someone verbally that you
care about them, but a hug will confirm it.
Here are some simple ways to show the senior in your life
that you care:
Jeff & Krista
• Greet him with a hug. Jenkins,
OWNERS
• Hold her hand while you are visiting.
• Offer to comb her hair. License No.
TACLB50569E

18 Lubbock Senior Link