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Don’t Wait For Santa, Help An Isolated Senior This Christmas

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, to some. To others, especially lonely seniors, it is a very depressing time. Some seniors exist in the “assisted living” environment; they cannot travel to see loved ones, don’t get visits, or are immobile. To make matters worse, some are dealing with the loss of a loved one, even a partner.

Santa hands holding wrapped gifts — *You can volunteer to help make a lonely senior happy this Christmas by volunteering in the Be A Santa To A Senior program.*

If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, try volunteering in the Be a Santa to a Senior Program. This program is a holiday-oriented and was created to give attention and joy to isolated seniors.

The Program

During the holiday season, Home Instead Senior Care partners up with local non-profit, community organizations to find seniors who are lonely and not receiving gifts. They ask the seniors what they need, and then they create a tree ornament with the request. Local businesses like retail stores help Home Instead by placing these trees in their lobbies or otherwise.

How You Can Help

You can make a senior’s day this Christmas by participating in the Be a Santa to a Senior Program. The gift, no matter how small, could completely change their holiday. Kindness is the real gift here, and showing this person that they are not alone. Someone cares enough to give up their time to help a stranger.

You can help by:

Finding a participating Be a Santa to a Senior location.
Removing an ornament off the tree with a senior’s gift request.
Purchasing the gift requested.
Putting the ornament and the unwrapped gift in the designated box at the participating store.

Christmas tree with silver ornaments — *Seniors will write what they need and it will be put on an ornament. You can pick up the ornament and buy what they ask for and bring it back to the store.*

The program began in 2003 and runs across the USA and Canada, and has helped by providing more than a million gifts to 700,000 seniors. An example of a request can be “a pair of reading glasses for Sam.”

When you purchase the request and place it in the designated box, it is then gathered by volunteers. These volunteers collect the items, wrap them, and deliver them to the seniors.

You can give a lonely senior knowledge that someone cares;. A stranger went out of their way to get them something from their Christmas list.

Depression in seniors impairs their ability to function and enjoy life. It can also contribute to poorer overall health, not to mention a higher suicide risk. According to data collected in 2015, people 85 years old and older had the second-highest suicide rate in the U.S.

If you are able to give up some of your time and a small amount of money, find a participating Be A Santa To A Senior location and grab a bulb (ornament). You will make that senior’s Christmas joyful, and unforgettable. Everyone can use a little pick-me-up during the holiday season, so why not be a Santa to a senior who needs it?

Why Are Senior Suicide Rates Rising?

Suicide is often associated with young people, but it is in fact much more common among seniors. The suicide risk increases with age, and is unfortunately hard to estimate the exact number due to “silent suicides.” Silent suicides are considered those of overdose, self-starvation, and self-dehydration.

Woman with gray hair sitting on a bench looking out into the dessert. — *Loneliness is a large problem for seniors and puts them at a higher risk.*

Seniors at long-term care facilities are taking their lives more than ever. Some can no longer accept the fact that they are slowly dying, while others have mental health issues. Most mental health issues do not get addressed for the elderly. Why? Either they do not speak up about it, or it is not covered by insurance. So, why is the suicide rate going up?

Loneliness & Depression

Losing a loved one and feeling alone contributes greatly to a person committing suicide. Extensive research shows that post-breakup or losing a spouse, elderly men are at a high risk of suicide. Loneliness is a large problem for seniors and puts them at a higher risk. They feel like they have no one to talk to and fall into depression.

Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that about 1 in 5 adults deal with some form of mental illness each year. About 20% of adults sixty-five and older in America are diagnosed with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and/or certain phobias. Some seniors will not seek help, get it too late, or get misdiagnosed.

Substance Abuse

Once a senior has dealt with a life crisis such as the loss of their spouse, or falling into depression, they can turn to alcohol and drugs. This is the third most common risk factor of suicide in seniors. Substance abuse has been an issue for years, but recent rates show significant rises. The government is struggling to reduce the opioid issue in America, especially among seniors.

Physical Health

Physical ailments are hard to accept, Learning you can no longer function, or move around the same way, takes a toll on a person’s mental state. A research conducted in 2017 found that seniors with traumatic brain injury, sleep disorders, and HIV or AIDS had an increased suicide risk. Some seniors feel like they are better off gone than to need constant care. This is also a large reason as to why seniors in long-term care facilities will take their own life. Instead of waiting for death, they choose to meet it.

Finances

calculator balancinf a spoon with coins in it and a potato stuck on the other end. — *Many seniors struggle to pay their medical bills, housing costs, and daily living expenses, so they look for a way out with suicide.*

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has found that more than 25 million Americans sixty years old and older are living at or below the federal poverty level. Many seniors struggle to pay their medical bills, housing costs, and daily living expenses. This stress leaves them feeling hopeless and considering suicide. That way they will no longer have to deal with the burden and will not have to put pressure on their family.

There is always an easier way to deal with stress. Seek help and talk to a professional if you feel suicidal. Reach out to your family, and know that you have a sense of purpose. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HELLO to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line.

Dementia or Depression? Beware An Easy Misdiagnosis

Diseases often get misdiagnosed due to similar symptoms. This is especially true for dementia and depression, because the symptoms mimic one another. Pseudodementia is a term used to describe symptoms that resemble dementia, but are due to other conditions, mainly depression. Misdiagnosis of these symptoms, such as memory loss, can lead to someone getting the wrong treatment, or no treatment at all. It is important to know the difference, because the symptoms of depression can be reversed.

The Similarities

Because a lot of people with dementia are also depressed, it can be hard to distinguish between the two. The common symptoms are:

- Forgetfulness

- Sleeping too much or not enough

- Loss of interest of a hobby

- Memory problems

- Social withdrawal

Difficulty concentrating

The Differences

Despite their similarities, dementia and depression exhibit important distinctions. Some ways to differentiate the two are:

Memory: One of the main differences in dementia is that memory will continue to get worse. People with depression may have trouble concentrating and be forgetful. Someone with dementia, however, will have problems storing new information, such as what they did a couple of hours ago. They may repeatedly ask the same questions, and forget where they placed things.

Language: People who are dealing with depression may talk slowly, but will speak properly. People with dementia will forget common names of things such as “chair,” or “picture.”

Negativity: Depressed people will appear more negative than people with dementia. Depressed people will talk about suicide more, and put a negative spin on things. People with depression also show less severe mood swings than those with dementia, who may show a wider range of emotions, such as laughing while others are sad, and mood swings that are all over the place.

Orientation: People who are depressed know who they are speaking with, and are aware of the day and time. On the other hand, people with dementia will be confused during conversation, and forget what day and time it is.

Screenings

There are two screenings that can be used to determine depression and/or dementia in seniors. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GSD) is used to evaluate depression. Another option is the Cornell Scale, which can be used to identify depression and dementia.

Treatment

There are multiple treatments available for depression. Typically these can include antidepressants, exercise, and counseling. Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia. Medications (cholinesterase inhibitors) can help slow down the progression, however.

Depression is common among older adults because of the loneliness or isolation they can feel. More than 8 million senior Americans are depressed. Even more alarmingly, depression can actually bring on dementia. As depression worsens, small strokes break down the brain, eventually developing into dementia. If you experience any type of memory loss, it is in your best interest to see a doctor as soon as possible. Memory and concentration can be restored if the issue is depression. Seeking help and treating depression will not only help you remember and feel better, but it will also decrease your chances of developing dementia.

Increase Your Lifespan By Spending Time With Those You Love

It has always been said that being around kids keeps you young, and this theory applies to seniors as well. Seniors who babysit, or are around their grandchildren often live up to 5 years longer than seniors who do not. Research analyzed over a 20 year period concluded that out of 500 seniors 70 years old and older, those who provided some form of care to their grandkids had a lower death ratio than those who did not. The study was published in Evolution and Human Behavior, and showed that the senior babysitters had a 37% lower mortality risk. There are multiple

*Being around your grandkids help keep you more active.*

health benefits to watching your grandkids apart from staying alive longer.

Improves Brain Function

Being around kids keeps your brain function high, because you are either helping them with their homework, or learning new things from them. Your brain is constantly working when you are with children, which helps your cognitive function better and for longer. Studies also show that your memory improves as well.

Keeps You Active

When you are not learning new things from your grandkids, chances are you are running around with them and playing catch or doing an outdoor activity with them. You are more likely to get up and be more active when your grandkids are around than when they are not.

Lowers Risk of Depression

Can you think of anything better than the love you receive and feel from family, especially your grandkids? Being around your grandchildren will increase your happiness and mental health. Seniors are less likely to be depressed when they are around their grandkids consistently.

Geriatric medicine specialist Dr. Ronan Factora thinks that the reasoning for a longer life is due to the reduction of stress when with your grandkids. Dr. Ronan Factora said, “there is a link between providing this care and reducing stress and we know the relationship between stress and higher risk of dying. If providing care to grandchildren and

*The benefits of being around your grandchildren include helping you feel younger, decrease stress, increase your lifespan, and make you happier overall.*

others in need is one way that can actually reduce stress, then these activities should be of benefit to folks who are grandparents and provide this care to their grandkids.”

As of course with everything, moderation is key. Do not overexert yourself with babysitting every single day. That will only create stress and tire you out, because let’s be honest, kids are a handful! Take some time 2-3 times a week to plan some hangout time with your grandkids, you will all benefit from it. Your relationship with your grandkids is important to both you and your grandkids. A strong bond with them reduces depression, and makes your time together more enjoyable and fun. Your adult grandkids also receive some mental health benefits from a strong relationship with you. Call your children and begin setting up some playdates with your grandkids, it will increase your life’s expectancy and value.

Depression in Teens Is On The Rise

Trying to fit in and find yourself during your teenage years is tough. There are constant changes in friends, clothing style, likes, and dislikes. On top of the changes teens experience, they have to keep up with school work, and after school activities. There is a lot of pressure for them with unrealistic academic, social and family expectations, which brings on emotional highs and lows. One of the lows they can experience is depression. Depression has been on the rise for teens as years go by, and they feel like they go through these tough years by themselves. We all remember what it was like being a teenager, feeling alone and like our parents do not understand us. Take the time to talk to your kids, notice the signs, and get help when needed.

*Teens entering the hospital for depression and suicide has been on the rise. It is important to notice the signs before it is too late.*

Symptoms

One in five teens will experience depression. Statistics show the number of teens experiencing depression has climbed by over 40% over the past couple of years. Of those numbers, nearly half of them were in the hospital for suicide attempts or thoughts. It is important for parents to identify if their kid is experiencing depression, because if it is left unnoticed, it can be harmful, and even deadly. Symptoms can include:

Irritability
Social withdrawal
Anger or agitation
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty concentrating
No motivation
Guilt or worthlessness
Poor school performance
Thoughts of death or suicide
Poems or writing about suicide

In order to avoid the feelings of depression, a lot of teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol. Some may even use sex as an escape of their feelings. These are temporary fixes, and can lead to self-destruction. These behaviors will lead to ruined relationships with friends, and family, which will worsen their depression. The more serious the depression gets, the worse the outcome, including suicide. Some teenagers may feel like the only way to escape these feelings is by ending their lives. Some may seek help to avoid these feelings, while some kids keep a happy appearance but struggle internally.

How To Help

If your kids are acting different, take the time to talk to them and find out what is bothering them. There are different approaches to take to provide support and help.

Pay attention- Ask questions and notice the signs of depression.
Listen- Take the time to listen to the teen’s problems, talking about their feelings. Do not lecture them, just listen, and offer help.
Exercise- Exercising promotes mental health. It releases hormones that make you feel good. Suggest going out together and get active.
One on One Time- Talking with your child helps to reconnect with them. Make them a priority.

*Group therapy is one way to treat teen depression. It offers a sense of understanding and belonging.*

Treatment

If things do not improve, there are ways to treat depression:

Group therapy- Talking about what is going on internally with other people who feel the same builds a sense of belonging. They understand the struggle and create support for each other to help get through it.
Psychotherapy- Talking with a therapist or counselor will help with limited cases of depression.
Medication- Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is very important to make sure this is necessary by a psychiatrist, because of the risk these medications come with. The FDA issued a warning of kids and teens taking these because of increased risks of suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety accompanies depression, and with kids on their phones more than ever, anxiety has increased in teens. Some of these anxious feelings will increase a person’s feelings of despair and hopelessness. Depression is on the rise for teens with all the expectations they feel they must achieve. Between trying to excel in school, be accepted socially, and make their parents proud, it can become overwhelming. Not to mention the issues they may be going through in all of these areas. Talk to your kids, and notice the signs because a lot more kids are experiencing depression more than ever. Reach out, you may be saving a life.