Being a senior citizen is becoming harder as families split apart and become more independent in the new economy. There was a time when all families lived together all their lives. The most senior members of the household were respected as sagacious and benevolent. They were usually given the final say in important matters and well taken care of in their older years. They would grow up surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. All this social excitement and respect from your offspring would make the golden years’ worth living.

As seniors are living longer and forced to enter assisted living centers or living on their own for long periods of time, the toll of loneliness and boredom can become overwhelming. When you add the possible side-effects of medications that lower mood and the lack of activity and sun needed to stimulate a natural sense of well-being, living as a senior citizen can become downright depressing. The distinction may be when seniors are placed in the right type of assisted living environment where they have the opportunity to make friends, participate in activities, and share regular family visits. In these cases, the senior can get through bouts of depression by considering the great medical care and various highlights of social activity.

Depression from Pain and Losses in Life

For some seniors, the pain of arthritis, sciatica, headaches, and other problems that cause limited mobility can be the source of depression. When you are not feeling your best, and your former modes of existence seem complicated and outside of your reach, depression can set in and take over. Losing loved ones, losing your occupational purpose in life, and being forced to live life vicariously through actors on TV can become draining after a while. Some seniors today are out there embracing life and preparing for their old age by maintaining super athletic bodies and taking as many holistic therapies as possible.

The Importance of Staying Goal-Oriented

It is important for seniors to set regular goals and to maintain plans for achieving future improvements each day, no matter how small those goals may be. Seniors who are suffering from mobility issues, for example, may set a goal to wheel themselves to the park one evening without assistance. Although an assistant can be standing by, the more that seniors push themselves to achieve goals on their own, the happier they will feel with the power to reverse degenerative aging processes.

Traveling and New Hobbies

It is scientifically proven that taking up a new hobby in your old age, such as playing a musical instrument, can dramatically improve your mental sharpness and outlook on life. Traveling also has the power to build new synaptic connections in the brain. This is important for changing a senior’s state of mood. The more active that their brains become with mixing and rehashing fresh sights, sounds, and experiences, the hungrier they become to overcome their disabilities and to seize the day again.

Following these tips can help any senior overcome depression and enjoy every day like their younger years.