Supporting Seniors Through Seasonal Depression

Winter can be a magical time in Eagle, CO, for folks at any age. However, the shorter days and frigid temperatures can lead to cases of the winter blues, particularly for aging people who have become isolated at home. About 10 million Americans experience SAD, and it can be a serious mental health concern for older seniors who lack social connections in their communities.

If that describes you or someone you know, keep in mind that there is a significant difference between feeling sad and having SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. To address the problem, it helps to know what it is and understand the various steps you can take to help someone suffering from it.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder in Seniors

It is essential for family caregivers in areas that experience cold winters to recognize the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder so they may offer appropriate support and help lessen the symptoms when they can. SAD symptoms look a lot like other mental health disorders. However, it only occurs during the winter months, resulting from a lack of sunlight, time spent outdoors, exercise, vitamin D, or some combination of those causes.

Some common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder to keep an eye out for include:

• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Sleeping too much
• Trouble concentrating
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Lethargy or sluggishness
• Changes in appetite

Different people experience symptoms in different ways, however. When you visit an older relative, be aware of changes in their behavior – from unusual sleeping patterns, to weight gain, to increased complaints of aches and pains – that may be connected to the onset of SAD.

Supporting Older Adults with Seasonal Depression

In addition to experiencing seasonal depression, seniors may simply suffer from a lack of social ties due to being more isolated in the winter. Fear of slipping on ice, heightened chronic pains due to the cold weather, and the challenge of driving in the dark can all discourage older adults from leaving the house. In addition to supporting seniors with SAD, family caregivers should generally help older, depressed loved ones who may be feeling lonely or isolated.

Fortunately, there are numerous approaches family caregivers can take to keep the seniors in their lives happier and more connected in colder seasons. These include:

Getting a Sun Lamp

Sun lamps emit artificial light that mimics the sun’s natural rays. Also known as light therapy boxes, sun lamps may be able to diminish feelings of seasonal affective disorder and other emotional issues. Families can purchase a sun lamp and keep it on a bedroom table or near the sofa so seniors can get in their daily dose of sunlight.

Encouraging Social Interaction

Maintaining social connections is one of the best ways to keep seniors from feeling isolated during the winter. Maybe you can help by providing reliable transportation to social outings, allowing your loved one to see their friends while staying safe on the road. If you need additional support, a professional at-home caregiver can also offer emotional support and companionship to mitigate feelings of loneliness.

Healthy Habits

Exercise, balanced meals, and proper sleep all have the power to boost one’s mental health. Next time you visit your loved one, see if you can assist them with meal planning and preparation. If they are physically able, encourage safe indoor exercises and go on walks together. If they complain about sleep, talk to them to see if there is a way to establish a better bedtime routine.

Not everyone likes to go outside. If they are home bound, some safe indoor exercises to consider for seniors include chair yoga, Tai Chi, and bicep curls, as long as it is comfortable and appropriate for them.

How Visiting Angels Supports Seniors with Seasonal Depression

Visiting Angels of Eagle offers award-winning in-home care services to seniors throughout Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Vail, and other nearby towns. Our friendly and compassionate caregivers can provide many services that help reduce feelings of SAD. In addition to supporting clients with various at-home tasks, we can inform family members of any changes in behavior that they should know about.

Contact us today at (970) 328-5526 to learn more, and together we will discuss a plan for keeping your elderly loved one more fulfilled all winter long.