Swimbo, won't the people in assited living encourage her to go to the activities?

I feel for you. I get the feeling that no matter what you do, it isn't enough. Some people are so needy it eats at the ones who love them.

One of the most frustrating parts about parenting our parents is wanting more for them than they want for themselves.

You're in my prayers!

Sometimes medication is a gift of God to the elderly, but it can also further complicate and lead to depression.

For example, the AMA keeps lowering the 'normal' blood pressure and as we age, our blood pressure naturally rises so lots of the elderly as well as many boomers are now taking medication for high blood pressure.
Side effects of B/P lowering medications include: Apathy, Depression, Decreased energy, Lack of affect (feelings), Dizziness, Sleepiness, AND of course the favorite of all males, Decrease in libido and Erectile Dysfunction.
Of course that leads to Viagra which leads to heart problems which leads to heart medications which leads to blood pressure problems which leads to blah, blah, blah.
In females, it leads to lowered libido which leads to hormone therapy which leads to weight gain and weight loss which lead to water pills and decreased potassium which leads to potassium pills which lead to heart problems which lead to etc., etc., etc.

Then there's pills for depression which cause tremors, headaches, dizziness, and sleepiness.

Of course exercise is a great help and it's free, but it is difficult to get a person going whose body is dealing not only with the natural slowing down of age, but also with the multitude of medications prescribed for the elderly.

My Dad died two years ago and my mother is still very active, but she is definitely slowing down. Also going to doctor more and taking more med. I have no answers.
smile