Seniors With Anhedonia Losing Interest in Life: 5 Ways to Help

After a certain age, elderly people start to lose interest in their life. And there is nothing much one can do for them at this time. Because they need to be mentally active and energized in their life. They often feel useless and depressed, this problem is called Anhedonia in medical terms.   

There are many Adult Day Health Care Center where you can admit elderly people to meet and engage with other people of the same age. And in these communities, they can also perform various activities.       

There are some ways by which you can encourage them to be active in their lives and give them a positive mindset. Here will guide you through seven ways to help seniors with Anhedonia.   

1.Empathize With Them 

Instead of seeing themselves as a helpful family member, senior adults may feel out of control and perceive themselves as a burden. This could result in emotional withdrawal and loneliness.  

Empathize with them as a means of assistance.  

Pay close attention to what they do. Are they acting troubled? Are they being prevented in some way? In that case, talk openly with them about it.  

By empathizing with their situation, you could encourage them to open up to you and express their sentiments.  

2. Encourage them for Healthy Habits 

It can be difficult for someone who is anxious to get to sleep or stay asleep. That usually occurs when someone’s mind is uneasy or occupied with unsettling ideas.  

Limiting time spent in front of devices in the evening, mainly two hours before bed may help in some cases. Try substituting board games, puzzles, reading or audiobooks, or listening to their favorite music for screen time to keep them occupied and comfortable.  

Putting together a lighter dinner may cultivate healthy habits in elders. And for some people, drinking some warm milk before bed can be soothing and help them fall asleep faster.  

Avoiding physically demanding activities such as exercise, in the evening 

3.Make Them Exercise Regularly  

Regular exercise is good for everyone, but it’s perfect for someone with Anhedonia.   

Exercise can lessen joint discomfort or mobility problems, boost mood and sleep quality, and help you manage stress.  

Exercise and other physical activity releases “feel-good” chemicals that elevate mood and lessen depressive symptoms. They also enhance digestion and appetite.  

4. Add Rich Food In Regular Diet  

Anhedonia is a symptom of depression connected to low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects mood.  

Food greatly impacts one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  

Anhedonia can be lessened by making simple modifications, such as eating a rich diet, to help with mood improvement and depression prevention.  

5.Encourage Them To Socialize  

1. Seniors with Anhedonia could have trouble interacting with both friends and complete strangers.  
2. This may exacerbate their illness and cause them to feel lonely, which may lead to bad thoughts.  
3. Encourage your senior to interact with others and assist them in finding daily gratification.  
4. Depending on their skills and interests, that can entail taking a class with group discussions, taking an exercise class, or joining a club centered on a passion.  
5. Alternatively, arrange a regular phone conversation, email, or letter interchange with friends and family.  

To Sum Up   

While offering to lend a sympathetic ear is a terrific way to help, there are occasions when enlisting the assistance of a professional, such as a community-based adult services, can have a greater impact.