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New Program: Healthy IDEAS Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression, Empowering Activities for Seniors) is an evidence-based program developed by the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas to identify and address depression in community dwelling older adults.   Roughly six million older adults in the United States suffer from some form of depression. Depression is often undetected and therefore not appropriately diagnosed. The Healthy IDEAS program allows an individual to meet with an Outreach Worker in their home to address their feelings of depression.   Adults experiencing depression tend to withdraw from people and activities that they used to enjoy, which creates a vicious cycle of isolation and depression. The Outreach Worker will help the client to develop realistic goals to increase their activity level. While individual goals will vary, they can include activities like participating in a writing group or exercise class, making an effort to call a loved one on a regular basis, or having a friendly visitor meet with them in their home. By increasing their activity level, the client can expect to participate in meaningful activities which can have a direct impact on reducing the severity of their symptoms.   If you or someone you know is feeling down, sad or hopeless or are experiencing a loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, call to speak to an Outreach Worker about whether the Healthy IDEAS program might be an appropriate option for you.   Please remember that depression is not a normal part of aging and it is treatable. We are looking forward to speaking with you about taking the first steps towards a healthier and happier you. To contact someone about the Healthy IDEAS Program, call 216-291-3902.