Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges we face today, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age. It’s not a sign of weakness or a character flaw – it’s an illness and should be treated as such.
More than two million Americans above the age of 65 suffer from depression today. However, while treating it can be a challenge, it’s not as impossible as you may think.
The causes of depression in older adults can vary. They can include preexisting depression or preexisting anxiety, the loss of friends or family members, a decline in overall health and abilities or any other challenges that come with getting older.
Regular exercise is one of the ways you can help ease the symptoms of depression, as it produces several benefits:
-Releases endorphins, also known as “happy hormones,” which can boost your mood and improve your overall wellbeing
-Helps you stop focusing on the negatives that may fuel depression
-Improves your overall health, leading to a better quality of life
-Helps improve your confidence, thus also improving your quality of life
-It is a positive activity, helping you refocus on what you have achieved as opposed to what you haven’t
Do bear in mind that exercise is not a treatment, and it is not a cure – it is simply a tactic you can use to help you with your symptoms of depression.
Thirty minutes a day, three to five times a week should be enough to make your symptoms more manageable. You can also do 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
The key to the positive effects of exercise is remaining consistent — the longer you keep at it, the better you will feel overall.
Older adults should exercise some general precautions, alongside the general recommendations that everyone should adhere to when taking up a workout routine.
Depression is a slippery slope, and feeling like you’ve failed can plunge you deeper down the spiral — don’t make exercise another fuel your mind can use against you.
Exercise is one of the best things you can choose to do to improve your overall quality of life. While the results may not be instantaneous, if you give your mind and body enough time to adjust to the new routine, your patience will be rewarded.