According to new research, treating depression in the elderly can not only improve their spirits but also their physical health, which allows them to remain independent longer. Another study suggests that exercise may help depression.
According to Chinese medicine, happiness and activity are related to what is called ‘heart energy’. When heart energy is low, happiness, physical activity and mental activity all decrease. This is why Chinese medicine treats depression and decreased activity by increasing heart energy.
But everything works both ways; just as treating the heart decreases depression and increases activity, treating depression and increasing activity can help the heart. Therefore, treating depression can help increase activity (and therefore independence), and increasing physical exercise can help treat depression. They’re all related.
See also:
Article sources:
- Treating Depression Keeps Elderly Strong (Yahoo!)
- Exercise Helps Treat Depression (CBS Chicago)