Last updated on June 15th, 2023
When seniors make the transition from living independently to any form of retirement or assisted living community, it may be a difficult adjustment. They may feel isolated, lonely, or like their independence has been taken away. The severity and impact of these feelings can range from simply being sad to clinical depression. But no matter what a senior is struggling with, their feelings are valid and worth exploring.
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about depression in older adults, especially those living in a residential community. However, while dedicating a month to mental health awareness is a step in the right direction, it is something that is necessary to focus on all year long. Knowing what depression in senior living looks like is the first step to assisting residents in improving their mental health and overall wellness.
What does depression in older adults look like?
Depression is a common mental health problem that many seniors deal with. It impacts individuals differently, meaning that symptoms may not always look the same in everyone.
Some of the common signs that an older adult may be depressed are:
- Feeling worthless, purposeless, helpless, or hopeless
- Having a continuous sad, down, or numb mood
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Trouble concentrating, focusing, or decision-making
- Eating too much or too little
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Becoming easily irritable
- Having decreased energy levels, or fatigue
A 2016 report from the National Center for Health Statistics stated that over 40% of residents in senior living communities had dementia or another type of cognitive impairment. Similarly, a 2017 study found that out of 221 residents in an assisted living facility, around 60% of them reported having some variant of depression. Despite these statistics, mental health concerns in older adults are often overlooked for more noticeable physical conditions or memory problems. Because of this, seniors may struggle in silence for prolonged periods of time.
Untreated depression also increases a senior’s risk for suicide. The National Council on Aging reports that almost 20% of all suicide-related deaths in 2020 were of people 65 and up. Additionally, men over the age of 65 have the highest rates of suicide. Other risk factors include a family history of mental illness, substance use, social isolation, significant life change (like the death of a spouse, friend, or other loved one), or other medical conditions.
Early intervention is key to preventing the symptoms of depression from worsening. But what role do senior living communities play in helping older adults with their mental health?
How can senior living communities help older adults with depression?
Senior living communities provide older adults with unique opportunities to gather with others in a communal space for group programs and activities, as opposed to alternative living options. Sharing a meal with other residents in this space is also a great way to increase social interactions and boost mood, contributing to positive changes in residents’ mental health.
The food residents eat in these shared environments also makes a huge difference in boosting their mood. While eating healthy won’t cure depression, it can have a lasting impact on making residents more comfortable and satisfied. Dining programs that feature tasty, unique foods on their menus are more likely to have happy and satisfied residents. Superfoods like leafy greens, blueberries, and various nuts and seeds that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants are great additions to any diet, but especially for seniors.
Although nutrition often gets lumped in with mealtime, there are plenty of opportunities for staff to incorporate food into other activities. Here are some more tips that we suggest based on our dining programs:
- Have monthly celebrations and events. Every month, focus activities around upcoming holidays — no matter what they are. Have residents submit their favorite holiday foods, old family recipes, or anything else they might want to contribute to the menu. For months that may not have a major holiday, find smaller, more niche “days” like National Watermelon Day.
- Host “Special Food” days with unique menus. Think outside the box when it comes to creating new meals. For example, these days can correlate with the season change. Get your residents in the mood for fall with an autumn-themed snack station, including flavors like pumpkin spice, apple cider, and more.
- Adding food to regularly scheduled activities. Partner with the activities director and staff to incorporate fun snacks or treats into events residents love like bingo, movie night, or a social hour.
Other ways that seniors can stay engaged and boost their mood include regular physical activity, learning a new skill, and spending time outside. Most importantly, however, all residents should feel like they are included and that their preferences are noted. Feeling autonomous and respected can make a world of difference in how a person feels in a residential community.
Continuing the Conversation about Mental Health
At Culinary Services Group, we believe that nutrition is key to optimal health. And, it’s no secret that when you eat better, you feel better. When you feel good, your mood improves. When seniors have access to quality food, it serves as a way to enhance both their physical and mental health. During Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, take some time to evaluate how your community is incorporating nutrition into mental health awareness.
Our dining programs are a great place to start, as they reflect our passion for giving senior living communities the resources they need for their residents to age healthily and happily. Contact us today to learn more about how you can partner with us.
