Sunlight The Ultimate Anti Aging Tool

Perhaps one of the most unacknowledged healing tools is sunlight. When we are children, we often spend a great deal of time outdoors. However, as we age, life and responsibilities take over, and we spend more time indoors taking care of them. However, sun exposure has been a natural treatment for all sorts of medical issues throughout history, and taking some time to get outside can help keep you feeling young.

Sunlight can be particularly helpful in improving your mood. Exposure to sunlight causes your body to produce more serotonin, which is the chemical that stimulates the pleasure center in your brain. This naturally improves your mood. As we age, it is important to get enough sunlight exposure, especially during the winter months.

Sunlight also is crucial in creating vitamin D in our bodies. Vitamin D can help prevent and treat breast cancer, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, and more. The best source is gotten from the synthesis by ultraviolet light in the skin, and you can get most of your daily requirements just from a little time outdoors!

Breast cancer is a health concern for all women. A study done at the Northern California Cancer center found that casual exposure to sunlight can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 65%. Even the lower number of 25% that the study found would mean that getting some time outdoors could save around 44,000 women from the disease.

Osteoporosis happens when bone mass is lost because calcium is not absorbed properly. This causes an increased risk of bones breaking all around the body, and is mostly an issue for women who have reached menopause. A lack of Vitamin D means that calcium will not be absorbed properly.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading killers of senior men. However, fewer cases are found among men who live in warmer climates, and research suggests that this may be because they are outside more, and therefore producing more vitamin D.

Sunlight has also been shown to help with athletic achievement. It is not unusual to have more energy during the summer months when there is more sunlight to be had. Studies of athletes have shown that sunlight can help enhance the performance and limit the number of injuries, while shortening the recovery time for injuries that did happen. When it works this well for athletes, it would only make sense that spending some time outdoors is good for all of us.

Obviously, there is also such a thing as getting too much sun. When outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, take care not to get overheated. Take plenty of water with you, and make sure to take plenty of rest breaks to avoid overtiring yourself. In summer months when the heat is high, consider making your outdoor time part of your early morning routine before it gets too warm. Also, when going outside for extended periods of time, take care to use sun protection to avoid burning and causing sun damage to your skin. Always consult your doctor before taking up a new routine.

Water Exercises - The Best Way for All Seniors to Get Their Workout

Getting older sometimes wrecks havoc on the body. The mind may be sharp as a tack and agile as ever but the body could use a little work! There are a number of reasons why many seniors may not get the exercise they need to stay healthy through the golden years of retirement. The primary problem is that some seniors have some health issues which cause pain such as osteoarthritis and different types of joint replacement.

Another reason why some seniors do not exercise enough is fear. They are worried that some of their health conditions will worsen like the chance of another heart attack or stroke or even aggravating hypertension and diabetes. The fact of the matter is that exercise will actually help these conditions, as long as seniors start off slowly and work their way up to avoid further injury. This is the way to build endurance, one of the principles that many seniors need to work on in terms of physical fitness.

The Best Workout for Seniors

Perhaps the best workout for seniors is swimming and water exercises. The water actually supports the weight of the body. This means that seniors are not putting undue stress on their joints, knees and hips. While the water is buoyant and cradles the body, seniors still get quite a workout in the water because it provides resistance without fear of injury.

Water exercises, swimming and aerobics for the water are a great way to tone muscles, work on endurance and even flexibility. In fact, they are also great for balance as well. Depending on where lessons are taken, some water instruction includes special water weights which add resistance to a workout.

Before your First Workout

The doctor should be the first resource when a senior wants to start water exercising. Certain illnesses could affect a water workout. Recent surgeries can also delay a new exercise regime. If the doctor gives the go-ahead, chances are that he or she will go over a number of warning signs that will let seniors know when a workout has gone too far. Heart rates and pulse are talked about and the doctor will help pinpoint what each senior should shoot for.

It would be a smart move to have an exercise buddy or at least take a class with other people. Seniors should never swim or do water exercises alone. If an emergency came up, a buddy could go for help.

Where to Workout with Water

Having a heated pool is a dream come true for many seniors who wish to work out in water. Unfortunately, very few have one in their own backyard. Therefore, it makes sense to find swimming places in which to accomplish the exercises. During warm weather, there is no problem swimming in lakes, creeks or outdoor swimming pools. However, come winter time, an indoor heated pool is the best place to keep those water exercises going.

The YMCA often has indoor pools as do many fitness centers. Both of these entities usually offer reduced rates for senior members. It is worth looking into. Some senior facilities and community centers also have indoor pools. Heated pools help those seniors with stiff muscles and joints. The great thing about places with indoor pools is that chances are that they also offer water exercise programs.

Retirement party: An Occasion to Celebrate The End Of Working Life

After may hard years of working the day has finally arrived when you are about to retire and to celebrate the occasion you will no doubt be thinking of giving a retirement party. Most such parties would be themed that could provide the guests with an opportunity to gather and have an intimate as well as enjoyable get together. You will need a number of items for the party and for this you may want to look for a supply store that stocks items for such celebrations.

Have a Theme For The Occasion

You could also buff up your retirement party and use decorations as well as photographs of your workplace where you worked prior to retiring. Old memories will be rekindled and the retired person will certainly feel a sense of nostalgia when he or she thinks back to the many hours and days spent working at the workplace. The theme of the retirement party may require a number of decorations as well as paper products like paper plates, napkins as well as silverware and cups to liven up the occasion.

To make the retirement party more enjoyable, you could hang up banners with the name of the retired person as well as the date that he or she began work and the date when he or she ended working. You may also wish to give out timecards or other items that match the theme of the party. Games are another popular happening at a retirement party, which may include giving gifts, and there is also occasion to ask questions regarding where the retired person worked, and then award the person or persons that gave the most correct answers.

In any case, before you give a retirement party, you would certainly need to plan ahead which means having a lot of patience as well as free time as also the proper retirement party supplies. These should match with the retiree's hobbies, interests, skills and passions and dreams. If that is not to your liking, then choose a getaway where to hold the retirement party.

The purpose behind holding a retirement party is to provide the guests with occasion to laugh and make merry, and keep them entertained. This means having the right retirement party idea, and may require asking all those who know the retiree to send photos, memorabilia, mementos as well as miscellaneous items that elucidate the history of the retiree's working life. Every piece of information and item that reminds one of the working days now gone will help in making the retirement party that much more enjoyable for all.

Seeing The Big Picture When It Comes To Elderly Depression

Have you have stopped to really see wider than what is right in front of you? When you stepped back to view the bigger picture, did your perspective change? This is a common occurrence for many things in life. We are often too close to the subject; topic or idea to really see all there is contained within the wider circles of it. This is basically what is happening today with the subject of elderly depression. Those individuals that qualify for the distinction to be classified as elderly (age 65 and older) are often overlooked, or misdiagnosed when it comes to depression. There are many reasons why depression is difficult to recognize in the elderly individual.

The disease depression has many forms and affects more than 6.5 million of the 35 million elderly in the United States today. Most of the 6.5 million depression suffers in this elderly group have had some form of depression most of their life with the rest experiencing it for the first time after age 80. The majority of the time depression in the elderly is closely associated with either disability or dependency or both. Being disabled or dependant because of health conditions and/or immobility can put a great strain on the elderly individual and the family members. Knowing how fast paced the world tends to be today is it any wonder that family members and even those who care for the medical needs of the elderly miss the signs and symptoms of depression?

Family members and friends missing the big picture:

Those individuals who are lucky to have family members close enough to see them on a regular basis may still experience depression and have it not be noticed by those who love them and visit them often. How many of us refer to our grandparents or great-grandparents as "Those old, cranky, hermits who only come out of their shell to scold us".... or something similar to that statement? We tend as a society to have an image of "elderly" as someone that has a really old body that is falling apart. We expect them to have pain and to be sick or frail. We expect that with all they have endured in their 65+ years on earth, that they are going to be sad, depressed and rightfully so. Family members often expect depression in the elderly members and therefore are not surprised or even pay too much attention to them when they do exhibit signs of being depressed.

Medical personnel missing the big picture:

Doctors evaluating an elderly patient often miss the signs of depression because it is so commonly seen that it becomes the "norm". When a patient is always sad, always withdrawn, always irritable it can be easy to mistake this for the typical stereotype of cantankerous old men/women that the movies often portray the elderly to be. Many times in the medical world, especially in the U.S.A., the patient tends to be discussed in terms of "the gallbladder, or heart case in room B. We tend to see people as what diagnosis they have or the ailment they are being seen for and fail to look at them in their entirety. What is true for the family members and friends can also be applied to the medical community regarding the fact that elderly individuals are viewed as people who have had a long life and they must have endured many hardships and losses and are therefore entitled to be a little down and blue by the time they are 65 or older. We expect the elderly to be depressed and so we accept it when we see it in them.

Untreated Depression in the Elderly:

If unrecognized and untreated depression in the elderly can have devastating consequences and can even be fatal as it leads to death by suicide. Older Caucasian males have the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. Statistically 70% of those who commit suicide and are elderly have seen a doctor within 30 days and as much as 20% the very day. These statistics speak of how often depression is missed by those who come in contact with those who are depressed and elderly.

Take Charge of Cancer Prevention in your Retirement

Taking charge of your lifestyle - how you eat, sleep and exercise - can go a long way toward preventing and controlling different types of cancer. Knowing what to avoid and taking preventative measures are all part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Practicing avoidance like putting off going to the doctor is very detrimental to your health.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Did you know that as much as 33% of all cancer-related deaths possibly could have been prevented? A poor diet and lack of exercise leads to excessive weight. Being overweight can heighten your chances of developing some form of cancer because your body in not strong enough to fight sickness off.

While you cannot fight your genetic profile or your age, there are plenty of things you can do to keep the odds in your favor of preventing or controlling cancer. Here are a few of the many ways that you can lower your cancer risks:

* Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat at all times as well as the strongest SPF sunscreen you can find. Avoid the heat of the day if at all possible.
* Eat a diet that is rich in dark green leafy vegetables, low fat dairy, lean meats and fish and fruit and whole grains. By avoiding all processed foods, you are effectively cutting out half your cancer risk due to your diet. Choose natural foods and avoid salt and sugar added products.
* Take a multi-vitamin to ensure that you get enough nutrients.
* Avoid or quit smoking and drink in moderation.
* Physical activity is a necessity. Four to six days a week should include light cardiovascular activity such as walking, gardening and more. Strength training also can help.

Keeping your regular doctor appointments goes a long way towards detecting and preventing different kinds of cancer. Your physicals as you get older should include all the cancer screening tests for skin, colon, and breast, prostate, cervical and ovarian cancers.

Talk with your doctor to determine what else you should be doing to try and prevent cancer. Your family history as well as your health are common factors in coming up with a plan. There are various tests that will effectively check for cancer and should be repeated yearly or as often as the medical community dictates. Of course, your sex will determine some of these tests. Here is an example of what to expect or ask your doctor about:

* Mammograms and x-rays are standard procedure to screen for breast cancer and should be completed once a year. Be sure to self-test as well.
* Men, there is a special PSA blood test that checks for prostate problems as well as a yearly rectal exam.
* Ladies, a pap smear can help detect cancer cells in the vagina and cervix. Be sure that you get this test as often as necessary, anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on medical and family history. A pelvic exam and ultrasound can help detect ovarian cancer.
* There are various colon cancer tests that can be performed such as a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or barium enema.
* See your doctor if you have any unusual patches of skin, bumps or moles. During your yearly physical, have your doctor examine your skin.

In addition to the yearly cancer screenings, eating right and exercising, sleep is another factor which could affect your health. Your best defense is a good offense when stopping cancer before it even starts.

Treating Elderly Depression With Good Old Fashion LOVE

Depression in the elderly population is a fast growing concern. Those who are depressed and elderly are at an increased risk for death by suicide. The suicide rates for those who are elderly as opposed to the rest of the population are 80%; which is a rate that is more than double that of youth. The warning signs of depression are missed in most cases because of the ideal that the elderly have more to be depressed about which fosters the idea that it is normal for them to be depressed. Depression is an illness and not a normal state for anyone to be in no matter what the age. All of the factors of depression are linked in some way to lack of social support.

The elderly face many contributing factors that can lead to depression including: loss of a spouse through divorce or death, lifestyle changes in living arrangement or location, financial lifestyle changes brought on by job loss, retirement or loss of a spouse, and also physical or mental stresses that take a toll on the mind and body. They can also lose body limbs due to trauma or disease, which can lead to feelings of loss. All of these factors can be supported and the elderly uplifted and encouraged to cope with these factors when they are in an environment where love is shared, nurtured and encouraged.

Environments that foster love are usually found within the family unit (sons and daughters, siblings, and other family members). As we age these family members decrease as adult children move away, as members die, or simply neglect the elderly members of the family. Some family units are unfortunately anything but a loving environment as so many elderly individuals are physically, mentally or emotionally abused. Not being loved can strip any individual of the ability to cope with life stresses that are of a physical nature such as disease, pain, loss of limb etc. Not being loved can also cause an individual to shut down and become isolated from society. Isolation leads to a lack of support system that would otherwise encourage and help the individual to find resources that could help them to deal with life stresses.

Society has the responsibility to identify those elderly community members who may be at risk for depression due to isolation or lack of loving support systems. Once identified initiating a loving support system can help elderly individuals to start to cope with depression and other illnesses.

A study conducted by the researchers at the Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, at Weil Cornell Medical College tested the theory of the effect social service interventions and social support had on depressive symptoms with 56 homebound elderly whose age averaged at 82. The study showed a decrease in depressive symptoms of those participating after just 6 months of social intervention. 63% of the participants improved the quality of life as a result of the social contact. Those patients who had the most social support showed the most improvement in all areas tested.

Love and concern for those who are elderly and showing signs of depression can make a difference in their ability to function and to cope with life including illnesses such as depression.

Aging Health Problems - Signs to Watch For

As a senior or someone that knows a senior, you are probably aware that your health changes dramatically as you age. However, since changes occur slowly over time, many seniors may not be aware that they need help - or may not be willing to admit it. Recognizing the signs of problems can help you identify problems early and take steps to allow seniors to keep their independence.

First, watch out for weight loss. Losing weight unintentionally can be a sign of several health problems, including: cancer, dementia, depression, heart failure, and malnutrition. Have a doctor check for any disease related problems. Weight loss can also come as a side effect of other age related problems, like not being able to read cooking directions or having difficulty opening containers. Or food may simply not taste the same. Talk with the senior and find ways to make cooking easier and more appetizing.

Next, consider whether or not a senior is safe in their own home. Trouble maintaining the home can lead to injuries. Check the lights, the heat, the yard, and look for signs of excessive clutter or trash accumulating. The senior should be able to get around the house with risk of falling or injury. While everyone has different standards as to how their home should be kept, big changes in behavior could signal a problem. Discuss safety concerns with the senior, and look for solutions.

Third, look to see if the senior is taking care of himself or herself. Are they keeping up with the same personal hygiene routines? Failure to maintain basic good hygiene like bathing, brushing teeth, and washing hair can indicate health problems.

Note the senior's moods as well. Everyone has their ups and downs from day to day, but sudden mood swings and changes in behavior can be indicative of health problems. Watch that the senior is still involved with the same friends and activities that they have done before, and if not, determine a cause. Have them talk to a doctor about depression if they seem unusually down or blue.

Lastly, watch how the senior is getting around. Difficulty walking, joint pain, and muscle weakness can make it difficult for seniors to complete day to day activities. Unsteadiness when getting about can also make them more prone to falls. Discuss ways that will make it easier for them to get around.

If you are concerned about the health or safety of a senior, let them know. Sometimes just knowing someone else is concerned is enough to encourage them to speak to a doctor. Have other friends and family member voice their concerns as well.

You can work together to come up with solutions that allow the senior to maintain his or her independence. Sometime all it takes is a few assistance tools placed around the house or a simple reorganization of rooms to make things easier. In other cases, it might be time to enlist some help around the house. There are a variety of home care workers that can do everything from cleaning house to running errands. If necessary, talk with the senior's doctor or the local agency on aging for assistance.

Retirement Gifts Show Appreciation For Service

People usually retire from a company after serving for twenty-five to thirty years or more. The others in the company are usually grateful for the wonderful work that the person retiring has done. The officials and workers in the company usually present the retiree with retirement gifts in recognition and appreciation for that service. The retiree got a paycheck for many years as compensation for their work, but retirement gifts are often acknowledgement that the work was appreciated by the company. Most people probably do many things and put in many hours that are not required for the paycheck so a retirement gift shows that others appreciate that service.

Retirement gifts can vary in value and substance. Some workers are given very valuable gifts as they retire while others are given a plaque to show the appreciation of the company as they retire. A gold watch is often a retirement gift, and this gift has come to have some symbolism of retirement. A gold watch as a gift could be worth thousands of dollars. Some people who receive this as a retirement gift find it an ironic present because they hope that they do not have to pay attention to the time when they retire.

Retirement Gifts Are Often Symbolic Of New Found Freedom

Sometimes retirement gifts are very symbolic of the beginning of a new type of lifestyle for many retirees. The retiree should have much more time on their hands to do the things that they like to do. Many workers dream of traveling after they retire from full time employment. They had limited vacation time while employed, but as a retiree they should have plenty of time to get around the country or around the world. Retirement gifts often help people out on their quest to travel about.

Some retirement gifts are actually tickets for this travel. Some workers talk about their dream spots for travel while working, and their colleagues remember these discussions. The tickets are often to the places that they had mentioned at some time in the past. The workers might give them some fishing gear if they had talked about catching some trout while they were working. The gift could be something that the retiree could use wherever they go. A sturdy suitcase could be a perfect retirement gift for someone about to hit the road. People usually appreciate any gift that they receive as they move on to a different lifestyle.

Replacing Hormones for Healthy Aging

Aging can affect all of us by changing our hormone levels. As we age the level of hormone that is formed by, our glands decline. Our glands produce the hormones and release them through the blood streams. As we grow older, hormone production slows. To correct the slowness sometimes hormone replacement is essential. Before you jump the gun however, searching for replacement take note that medical experts discovered that men who seek hormone replacement therapy should consider carefully. The replacement therapy is behind, or part of the cause of prostate cancer. You want to check with your doctor always before taking any non-prescribed supplements, therapy treatments, etc.

Our body produces two major hormones that are very important. We start to lose these necessary elements as aging progresses. Our body relies on estrogen and testosterone to keep our metabolism, sex reproduction functions and so forth healthy.

Testosterone is not only important for the men but women too. Men need a higher-level of testosterone. The hormones are what promote facial hair, larger muscles, and deeper voices. Testosterone is what makes the men seem younger and helps them to perform sexually, since it is their drive. As it lowers in men, they lose their sex drive. On the other hand, too much testosterone in our bodies can induce side effects, such as heart disease and enlarge the prostate glands. For this purpose, you want to consult with your doctor before taking replacement hormone therapy.

Estrogen is the other major hormone that our bodies need to keep up with life in general. Women take estrogen to counteract menopause by taking a supplement direct by their doctor. Taking estrogen can also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, Alzheimer's. Estrogen therapy reduces our risks, yet side effects can lead to uterus or breast cancer. Some women experience blood clotting while others may not. In addition, some women have endured heart attacks and strokes after taking estrogen therapy units. Like all other supplements or treatments over-the-counter, one must consult with their physician before taking the treatments. Discuss the good and bad points of taking replacement therapies, such as estrogen and testosterone.

Do you have a hard time sleeping at night?

Maybe you're lacking the Melatonin hormone. The lack of melatonin is known to interrupt sleeping patterns as we age. Our glands produce Melatonin and it slows down, as we grow older. Study shows that while we are sleeping during the hours of 8PM and 5AM, is when this hormone is produced the most. By taking Melatonin supplements, it can help in the reduction of breast cancer and help to reverse aging along with improving our sleep. The side effects may include drowsiness. Melatonin can cause the blood vessels to constrict as well. It depends if your body has sufficient or deficient amounts. Again, talk with your doctor first. Melatonin according to few can cause heart conditions. Melatonin is dangerous to those diagnosed with high blood pressure. Like most things, it is very important to consult your physician before taking this supplement.

Discussing the aspects of healthy aging:

We have various aspects of the body to consider when discussing healthy aging. Our body produces hormones, cell bodies, neurons, and so on. When our bodily functions are interrupted, it affects the body and mind as a whole and determines how fast we will age. Still, you must consider that environment factors, doctors, medications, smoking, using alcohol excessively and so forth plays a part in our aging process. In fact, we have to review normal aging verses abnormal aging when considering healthy aging.

Living Wills - An Important Thing to Have, Especially Heading into Retirement

Retirement can be a rewarding time in your life where you can focus solely on your and your life pursuits. However, at some point or another, you may have to have a medical procedure or your health could take a downturn. No one wants to think in those terms, however, you should be prepared for it. In order to avoid having your family fight about your care if you are incapacitated, you need a living will or some type of life directives in place to take care of your wishes when you cannot express them on your own.

An advanced directive is a legal document that you help create with your attorney who states what kind of medical treatment and procedures you want or do not want on the chance that you become unable to communicate them yourself. Basically, there are two types of these directives you should know about - a durable power of attorney and a living will. These are both legally binding documents that you can either create on your own using a template or you can employ the services of an attorney to handle it. Each state differs slightly in what types of documents will be recognized legally. You have the power to adapt these documents as time goes on or get rid of them all together.

A living will spells out your wishes in regards to your medical care and treatment. Discuss whether you wish to be resuscitated if you stop breathing. Do you want to be kept alive on a respirator and/or with feeding tubes? There are a lot of gray areas you have to consider, so you will need to really think hard about your wishes.

A durable power of attorney allows a person you designate to make your medical edicts or you should you not be able to voice them on your own. This person with the power of attorney does not always have to be a family member, just someone you trust implicitly to abide by your wishes.

It is the responsible thing to do to create a power of attorney and a living will. That way there are no mistakes or misinterpretations about your health care in the event that something happens to you. Be sure to create specific instructions so there is no doubt in the mind of the surrogate (the person who you give power of attorney to) as to what you would want done. This is especially important for end-of-life decisions.

While you are still in excellent health, be sure to discuss your wishes of medical treatment, health care and end-of-life wishes with your spouse or significant other as well as close family members, your primary doctor and even your priest. With many people knowing your wishes, it will make it easier on those close to you should your power of attorney or living will not be drawn up yet.

Don't put off this necessary step of your life. No one wants to think about dying. However, think about how your family will feel if there are no advance directives in place and crucial decisions about resuscitation and continued respiration are necessary. Don't force them to make such agonizing decisions; take charge of your life and create those necessary advanced directives as soon as possible.

Retirement Homes

So you've decided it is time to retire or maybe you have been retired for several years. Thoughts of moving into a retirement home have started to cross your mind. So what is the best option? Where should you look? What are some things to be aware of?

As with many other things in life, getting into retirement homes boils down to a question of money. Financing a retirement home is now a little easier if you are a homeowner; an increasing number of mortgage companies offer ways to convert equity you've built up in your home into money for a retirement community home. Before you shop for a retirement home, talk to a mortgage specialist and find out if you can apply your equity to paying for a senior retirement home, and how much you would have to work with.

Many people buy insurance to help financing a retirement home well in the future. Some insurance companies offer private insurance policies specifically for long-term nursing home care. If you choose to go this route, make sure to shop carefully. These policies can vary greatly in coverage and cost, and it is important to understand precisely what kind of policy you are purchasing, and whether it will support the kind of retirement homes you will need.

Many people make the mistake of believing that Medicare covers the cost of most long-term care services such as retirement homes. However, Medicare only covers short-term, acute care during a hospital stay. You will need to work out other forms of financing if you haven't saved enough by the time you need to find a retirement home.

Financing retirement homes with an insurance policy can help meet the expenses you'll encounter, but you must be careful. If you are considering an insurance policy, make sure that it pays benefits immediately upon entry into a nursing care facility or senior retirement home. Many insurance policies, which are purchased prior to the need for nursing care, require a waiting period after entry into a nursing care facility before payments are made. It is highly unlikely that nursing care insurance can be purchased after a person has entered a nursing care facility.

Alternative Treatments for Depression in the Elderly Individual

Typical depression treatments include medication, psychological therapy, and Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). There are a few other treatments that can be considered by the elderly individual and the doctor.

Some alternative treatments have started to become accepted into the western medicine culture while others are not because studies have been conducted yet of sufficient amount to determine safety and effectiveness. These alternatives methods have however proven to bring relief from stress and in so doing can benefit the elderly individual suffering from depression. Some of the more popular alternative treatments are:

Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Biofeedback
Chiropractic treatment
Guided imagery
Herbal remedies
Massage
Relaxation techniques

Vagal Nerve Stimulation - Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) was approved in July of 2005, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in long-term or recurrent major depression in adults. This therapy has been used to treat those with hart-to-treat epilepsy and also those who are 18 years old and have not been able to be successfully treated with 4 or more antidepressant treatments.

VNS uses electrical impulses along the vagus nerve in the neck to treat severe depression. The treatment actually destroys part of the vagus nerve.

It is important to note that most alternative therapies require some measure of physical exertions; so older adults should consult first with their doctor before starting any alternative therapies. Herbal remedies can react to other medications that the elderly person is on so caution should be exercised when contemplating using alternative therapies.

More studies are required regarding the validity of the safety and effectiveness of most mind-body therapies. Mind-body therapies can include tai chi and yoga.

A study done by Ohio State University found that 70% of older Americans have turned to alternative treatments in place of medications that can give them side effects. The most popular of the alternative therapies seems to be the use of chiropractors.

The elderly are at a higher risk for suicide if depression goes untreated so using alternative therapies should only be done after consulting the doctor who is treating the individual for depression.

The reason that alternative therapies are considered for elderly depression is that depression according to some scientists is a biochemical illness. The triggers for the depression cause a neurochemical change that leads to the feelings of depression. Alternative treatments are designed to re-establish balance and harmony within the body. The typical alternative therapies to do this are: acupuncture, biofeedback and dietary factors that encourage good nutrition.

The World Heath Organization does list acupuncture as being a valuable alternative in the treatment for acupuncture if the individual is unable to use antidepressants.

When alternative treatments are being considered it is important to monitor the individual regarding the intensity of depression and to be in close contact with the doctor under whose care the individual is under. Depression can be very serious in the elderly and any treatment plan should be adjusted according to the state of depression at regular intervals.