Scientific research
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Topic- Emotional wellness
Non-drug therapies as good or better than drugs for depression in dementia
Researchers have found that non-drug therapies, such as exercise, appear to be as - or more - effective than drugs for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia.
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Stats: Two-thirds of 65+ adults won't treat their depression
A recent US nationwide poll, the GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor, found that nearly two-thirds (61%) of adults ages 65 or older who have concerns about having depression will not seek treatment, Further, one-third (33%) who were concerned that they might be suffering from depression believe they can "snap out" of it on their own. This is important because a number of drug and non-drug treatments are available to treat depression, and especially during the pandemic, which is known to affect mental health, organizations should consider making members and residents aware of their options.
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Physical touch vital for physical health
Recent research has found that physical touch is associated with lower blood pressure, higher oxytocin levels, and better sleep, and that it also buffers stress. Now a study suggests that touch is also associated with a lower likelihood of inflammation, a key feature of many diseases. Of course, physical touch has been limited for many older adults during pandemic restrictions, and the authors offer some suggestions.
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Stats: 56% of adults ages 50-80 felt isolated from others in June
Not surprisingly, despite recent articles suggesting that older adults are resilient and weathering lockdowns and social distancing well, a recent poll found that more than half (56%) of people over age 50 said they sometimes or often felt isolated from others - more than double the 27% who reported feeling that way in a 2018 poll.
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"Life story" approach shows older adults' resilience
Older adults have repeatedly been referred to as more physically vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic - but the pandemic is not just about becoming physically ill, write authors of a special article in the Journals of Gerontology. They use the "life story" approach, which highlights psychosocial strengths, to underscore that older are not just victims during this challenging time. It's worth a read, certainly as a conversation starter, and possibly to incorporate the life story approach into current programming, as a mood booster for residents, members and staff alike.
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Older adults' faith is stronger because of pandemic
Pew Research recently released a FactTank/News in the Numbers story on how the pandemic experience varies for people of different ages. Among the key findings: American ages 50-plus are more likely than those under age 50 to say their faith is stronger because of the pandemic. Specifically, 29% of those 65 and older reported their religious faith had become stronger, compared with 17% of those ages 18-29. Active-aging industry management and staff might consider exploring this spiritual wellness aspect in response to the pandemic.
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