This animated video from the National Institute on Aging at NIH provides tips to help prevent and reduce the impact of social isolation and loneliness. (Click Read More button if video is not visible.)
One in ten over the age of 65 experience depression. However, depression is NOT a normal part of the aging process. Since COVID, we have all experienced increased stress and we have all been exposed to social isolation and loneliness, two of the major risk factors for depression.
Symptoms of depression include the following:
Lack of appetite, weight loss/gain, sleep issues, memory and concentration problems, feeling of guilt, shame, or worthlessness, lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy, and lack of motivation.
If symptoms last for most of the day for a period of two weeks or more, please reach out to your doctor.
Your doctor can work with you to create a treatment plan. They may prescribe medication or counselling.