Tips on how to prevent loneliness in elders

With contemporary technological advances, it is simpler to stay in touch than ever before. Social media apps, Smart phones, and the internet have made it possible to contact anyone, anywhere, at any time. In spite of these advances, research suggests that as a society, are lonelier than ever before – and seniors experience that loneliness at a higher level than any other age group.

To some degree, loneliness is an option. You have the capability to select whether you keep to yourself or make an effort to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several factors that make it more challenging to stay connected. As you get older, your social circle starts to shrink. Elderly friends pass away, family members start families of their own, and people move away. Even if you have family and friends in the area, issues of mobility, illness, and transportation can make it difficult to get out of the house to see the people you care about.

Hadar Swersky says that as people age, sometimes changes take place that may cause us to experience stress and sadness. The transition from work to retirement, the death of a dear one, or the analysis of an illness, can all make us feel uneasy, anxious, and unhappy and contribute to depression over time. Certain symptoms of depression are:

  • feeling sad, unhappy, or empty
  • loss of interest in normal activities
  • changes in appetite
  • anxiety or restlessness
  • feeling worthless or guilty
  • irrational reactions or angry outbursts
  • difficulty sleeping, insomnia, or sleeping too much
  • difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • unexplained pain
  • thoughts of suicide or death

Depression in elderly is complicated to identify because they sometimes have different symptoms compared to a younger demographic. Some seniors might have less obvious symptoms than sadness, thus is less willing to vocalize their feelings and doctors may not be able to distinguish that they may have depression.

Common depression symptoms in older people are more likely to be:

  • Having trouble sleeping, such as insomnia
  • Constantly feeling tired
  • Grumpiness or easily irritable

Hadar Swersky says that loneliness is also a huge reason depression is common among seniors. Social contact decreases as people age, frequently due to lack of retirement, mobility, and other reasons leading to higher rates of senior social isolation. Studies also show that loneliness is a vast risk factor for depression, heightening the sense of unhappiness and worthlessness. Thus, it is important to look out for these symptoms and ease them ahead of time for yourself or your dear one.

One of the best ways how seniors can make the most out of their lives is by looking into great volunteering opportunities. These are events where people can go out and help others with organizing special events or activities in a community. Loneliness and depression, as well as psychological well-being, do not have to be a burden to your life as you age. Just use the points you have read about here and you will find it is not too difficult for you to feel better about yourself and where you are going with your life. Dealing with loneliness always helps as you look to stay confident and comfortable with your life.

A complete overview of ADHD and how it can be treated

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a complicated brain disorder that impacts 11% of children approximately and almost 5% of adults in the United States. ADHD is a developmental impairment of the brain’s executive functions. People with ADHD have problems with focusing, impulse control, and organization.

Clinical research, brain imaging and neuroscience tell us a few important things: ADHD is not a behavior disorder or a mental illness. ADHD is not a particular learning disability. ADHD is, rather, a developmental impairment of the brain’s self-management system. Both children and adults can be diagnosed with ADHD.

Hadar Swersky has vast knowledge about ADHD. He points out some of the common symptoms of ADHD, such as:

  • lack of focus
  • inattention
  • weak impulse control
  • executive dysfunction
  • poor time management
  • exaggerated emotions
  • hyperactivity
  • hyperfocus

If you or your child has ADHD, you might have some or all of these symptoms. The symptoms you have will depend on the ADHD type you have.

ADHD Types

To make ADHD diagnoses more reliable, the APA has grouped the condition into three categories or types. These types are predominantly hyperactivity-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and both.

  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

People with this type of ADHD mainly show hyperactive and impulsive behavior. This can include:

  1. interrupting people while they are talking
  2. fidgeting
  3. not being able to wait their turn

Even though inattention is less of a concern with ADHD type, people with mainly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may still find it hard to focus on tasks.

  • Predominantly inattentive

As the name suggests, people with this ADHD type have extreme difficulty finishing tasks, focusing, and following instructions. Experts also think that several children with inattentive ADHD might not get a proper diagnosis as they do not tend to disturb the classroom. This is more common among girls with ADHD.

  • Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type

ADHD is the most common type. People with this combined ADHD type display both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms. These comprise an incapability to pay attention, a tendency toward irresponsibility, and above-average levels of energy and activity.

The ADHD type you or your child has will determine how it is treated. Your type can change over time, so your treatment can also change.

Causes of ADHD

Despite how common ADHD is, researchers and doctors are still unsure what causes the condition. It is believed to have neurological origins. Genetics can also play a role. A reduction in dopamine is a factor in ADHD. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that assists move signals from one nerve to another. It plays a role in activating emotional responses and movements.

Other suggests a structural difference in the brain. Findings point out that people with ADHD have less gray matter volume. Gray matter comprises the brain areas that help with:

  • self-control
  • speech
  • muscle control
  • decision making

ADHD testing and diagnosis

A doctor will evaluate any symptoms you or your kid has had over the previous six months to make a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely gather information from family members or teachers and may use checklists and rating scales to evaluate symptoms. They will also do a physical exam to check for other health issues. If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, consult with a doctor about getting an evaluation. For your child, you can also consult their school counselor. Schools assess children for conditions regularly that might be affecting their educational performance.

For the assessment, offer your doctor or counselor notes and observations about your child’s behavior.

If they suspect ADHD, they may refer you or your child to an ADHD specialist. Based on the diagnosis, they may also suggest an appointment with a psychiatrist or neurologist.

ADHD treatment

Hadar Swersky says that the treatment for ADHD typically includes medication, behavioral therapies, or both. Types of therapy include talk therapy or psychotherapy. With talk therapy, you or your child will talk about how ADHD affects your life and ways to aid you to manage it.

Another type of therapy is behavioral therapy. This therapy can help you or your child learn to manage and monitor behavior. Medication can also be helpful when you are living with ADHD. ADHD medications are designed to affect brain chemicals to allow you to control your actions and impulses better.

Understanding the various ways to treat ADHD especially in Adults by Hadar Swersky

ADHD is a psychological condition in an individual consisting of a number of symptoms such as attention deficit problem, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. This can further cause a number of issues such as poor performance at school or work, low self-esteem and problem in maintaining relations.

Although the disorder is often termed as adult ADHD, the symptoms of the disorder can be seen in initial childhood which carries on to build up in adulthood. In a few cases, the symptoms of adult ADHD may not be clear like in children. A grown up person can experience problem in paying attention, feel squirmy and hasty. There are a number of other disorders that may take place together with ADHD like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychiatric disorders, learning disabilities.
ADHD Symptoms

The ADHD symptoms rely on the person’s age. Most of the time persons with ADHD are not conscious of the disorder in themselves. The symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty in multitasking things
• Impulsiveness and restlessness
• Difficulty on focusing on work and completing tasks
• Difficulty in organizing and prioritizing things
• Short temper
• Mood swings
• Difficulty in managing stress

Even though there are no well-known causes of ADHD, but there are several factors that are involved in the development of the disorder such as:

• Premature birth
• Genetics
• Developmental problems
• Environmental factors

ADHD Diagnosis

Diagnosing ADHD is hard as its symptoms are same as other conditions. A number of adults with ADHD also experience anxiety and depression. But, ADHD can be diagnosed if these signs are ruthless and cause problems in everyday life. There is no particular test to confirm it, but, the diagnosis procedure comprises:

• Physical Examination
• Gathering information about family and personal medical background as well as present medical state
• Psychological tests

ADHD Treatment

The treatment for ADHD comprises education, psychological counseling, medication and training. The combination of these treatment assists in reliving the symptoms of ADHD.

Psychological counseling It helps in:

• Decreasing the impulsive disorder
• Augmenting self-esteem
• Learning about methods to improve relationships
Medications

Stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are often recommended for the treatment of ADHD. These stimulants aid in boosting and balancing brain chemicals levels referred to as neurotransmitters. Other medications that are prescribed are atomoxetine apart from antidepressants for instance, bupropion and others.

Serial entrepreneur converted investor; Mr. Hadar Swersky is the organizer of Smart Box Capital and the writer of “Winning in business with ADHD. Hadar Swersky says that these treatments can help in improving the symptoms of ADHD.

Hadar Swersky – The Relationship Between ADHD and Gender Diversity

While sex and gender are distinct concepts, most articles addressing sex and gender differences for people with ADHD focus on cisgender people’s experiences. ADHD symptoms can get influenced by biological factors such as menstrual hormone fluctuations and sociocultural forces such as gender role socialization. While it is critical to continue how cisgender women experience ADHD, there is also potential for an investigation into the experiences of gender-diverse people, including (but not limited to) those who are Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, genderqueer, or agender.

• Physiology and Hormones

There is evidence that estrogen and dopamine levels are linked, according to Hadar Swersky. The neurotransmitter dopamine gets thought to be deficient in patients with ADHD. People who menstruate may have mood swings or ADHD symptoms during the menstrual cycle. At the onset of puberty, through pregnancy and the postpartum period, and during menopause, they may experience changes in their ADHD symptoms.

The additional study suggests that cisgender women with ADHD have different symptoms and are less likely to be recognized or diagnosed late in life. They are more likely to be classified with the inattentive subtype of ADHD rather than the hyperactive or mixed form when they get diagnosed. Because inattentive symptoms are more ‘internalized’ and less likely to affect others overtly, they may receive less attention and support than hyperactive or mixed symptoms.

• Socialization Between Men and Women

The amount of variance attributable to sex differences versus gender socialization and bias get not adequately evaluated by research. According to Hadar Swersky, many cis women have had their ADHD symptoms misinterpreted as character flaws or moral failings by others. This implicit and verbal feedback can cause feelings of shame and helplessness, making it hard to seek or receive assistance.

• Developmental Areas

These authors couldn’t find any significant formal research studies on how trans or non-binary people deal with ADHD. Furthermore, the studies focus on European and North American settler/White participants, whose gender socialization experiences may differ from those of various racial and cultural origins.

The evidence on the rates of poor mental health, self-harm, and suicide among trans and neuro divergent people is particularly troubling. Evidence suggests that when trans persons get affirmed, their suicide rates reduce considerably. Given the possible confluence of neurodiversity and gender diversity, more research and development of trans-affirming ADHD tools and supports get needed.

In the interim, current materials on ADHD should change their terminology to accommodate gender-diverse people. A few changes in language, such as the proper use of the terms sex and gender, could assist in clarity of what influences are caused by biological and hormonal variables from those caused by social ones.

Furthermore, many resources refer to those who menstruate as women solely and use gendered pronouns like “she/her.” Anyone who does not utilize either of those pronouns has their experiences effectively erased. “They” is more inclusive and linguistically proper. Finally, gender-diverse people’s needs are crucial, and addressing them has worth in and of itself.

Exercise Suggestions for ADHD Women by Hadar Swersky

Exercise can be as helpful as stimulant medicines for the treatment of ADHD, studies reveal. The brain releases dopamine and serotonin, which promote mood, decrease stress and anxiety, improves working memory, and improves leadership function, controls momentum, learning and memory. However, it can be tough for women with ADHD to stick to a workout, especially if it falls into a fight to spend the day. So what should a girl do? Here are some tips as suggested by Hadar Swersky:

• Begin Small

Don’t commit to work out seven days a week when you know that two days is more practical. Start with something so simple that you won’t be able to refuse it. Rejoice in your minor victories. Even a 20-minute stroll around the block will help you clear your head.

• Make Self-care A Priority

Women with ADHD tend to become people pleasers and prioritizing the needs of others. Take care of yourself so you can be a better person for those around you. Even small workouts can help new moms maintain their emotional sanity. When at all feasible, make yourself a priority.

• Find A Fun Business For You

The best workout is the activity that helps you feel most vigorous and happy about your body. Let the pressure go because it is ideal for weight loss, etc. It is a workout of a particular kind. If you have ADHD, you know it doesn’t work to try harder or force us to do something. If you detest Bhangra dancing and prefer it, do it!

• Toss Everything Together

Experimenting and attempting new things will satisfy your inherent curiosity and drive to explore. ClassPass is one method to achieve this, as it allows you access to thousands of different group exercise courses in your area, allowing you to avoid committing to a single gym or studio.

• Get Rid of Your Inner Critic

Women with ADHD are notoriously harsh on themselves. You may be thinking to yourself, “I should be able to keep to a regimen,” or “it shouldn’t be this difficult.” Get rid of your inner critic and forgive yourself if you don’t follow through on a commitment. Allow yourself to let go of the all-or-nothing mentality and understand that every bit helps. Maybe it’s parking four blocks away from the office. We can use a pedometer and keeping track of our steps. That might be anything as a graphic representation.

• Make It A Thrilling Experience

Women with ADHD are born adventurers. Turn exercise into an adventure to tap into this strength. Take a trek or walk, bike, or run through a new part of your city. Allow the colors, sights, and noises around you to stimulate your ADHD mind. Hadar Swersky always suggests the best options for us.

• On the Days When You Can’t Do Anything

Drainage may be possible with ADHD. If you only have to relax and unwind for a few days, do it. Listen to your body. You always know the good things for you. You know the best.

Hadar Swersky on the Impact of ADHD on the Life of an Individual and Family

ADHD can affect all facets of a child’s life. Indeed, it impacts not only on the kid, but also on siblings and parents causing disturbances to marital life and family. The adverse effects of ADHD on children and their families changes from the playgroup to primary school and adolescence, with changeable aspects of the disorder being more well-known at different stages. ADHD may continue into adulthood causing disruptions to both personal professional and personal life. In addition, ADHD has been related to enhance healthcare costs for patients and family members.

ADHD is a debilitating, chronic disorder which might impact upon several aspects of an individual’s life, including social skills problems, academic difficulties, and strained parent-child relationships. While it was earlier thought that kids ultimately outgrow ADHD, current studies suggest that almost fifty percent of affected persons carry on to show noteworthy symptoms of the disorder into adulthood. Children with the disorder are at considerable risk for longer term negative outcomes, such as employment attainment and lower educational. A vital consideration in the effectual treatment of ADHD is how the disorder affects the everyday lives of kids, people, and their families. Indeed, it is not adequate to consider ADHD symptoms merely during school hours—a methodical examination of the disorder must take into account the wellbeing and functioning of the entire family.

Hadar Swersky says that high levels of activity, poor concentration, and spontaneity are frequent characteristics of preschool children. As a result, a high level of supervision is the rule. Even so, children with ADHD might still stand out. In this age group there is frequently poor intensity of play and excessive motor restlessness. Associated difficulties, such as oppositional behavior, delayed development, and poor social skills, can also be present. If ADHD is a possibility, it is essential to offer targeted parenting advice and support. Even at this early stage parental stress might be vast when a child does not reply to ordinary parental requests and behavioral advice. Targeted work with preschool kids and their careers has been shown to be efficient in improving parent child communication and decreasing parental stress.

Hadar Swersky further said that careful assessment is paramount, and if this showcases significant impairment as a result of ADHD, there is clear proof that treatment of ADHD should be instituted. Present treatment focuses primarily on the short term relief of core symptoms during the school time. This means that other times of the day, such as early mornings before school and evening to bedtime, are often unaffected by present treatment regimes. This can impact on child and family functioning negatively and can fail to optimize self esteem and mental health development.