A recent study conducted by Anna Forsman, Ph.D., student at The Nordic School of Public Health, has found that depressive symptoms among the elderly population may be significantly reduced with natural health resources – such as using interventions that focus on social activities.

Up to 5 percent of adults who are aged 65 and older living among the community suffer from depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, this number increases to 13.5 percent for those who require home healthcare and to 11.5 percent among elderly patients who are hospitalized.

According to Forsman, her review consisted of systemic searches in a total of 11 electronic databases, in which she collected and analyzed evidence-based cases as well as examples of how to prevent depression and promote positive mental health among the older population.

She found that social activities were the most effective psychosocial treatment for improving the mental health and preventing depression in the elderly. Overall, Forsman said that “meaningful social activities adapted to the older adults’ individual needs and abilities should be recognized in the planning of older care.”