Supporting Seniors with SAD During Minnesota’s Winters

Minnesota winters can be tough, especially for seniors in St. Louis Park and across Minnesota. Our long, cold months bring short days and little sunlight, which can negatively impact seniors’ mental and emotional well-being. 14% of Seniors 65 and older in Minnesota already suffer from some form of depression, so adding our cold winter months onto this fragile mental state can be tough. One common condition that often worsens during the winter is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). At Visiting Angels St. Louis Park, we understand how this seasonal shift can affect seniors and we're here to offer the care and support aging adults need during this time.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than just feeling down when the weather turns cold. It’s a form of depression that tends to emerge in the fall or winter and generally fades in the spring. For Minnesota seniors, this condition can be particularly intense due to our long and harsh winters. It’s important to recognize that SAD is different from typical seasonal mood changes—it’s a condition that can seriously affect a senior’s well-being.

Spotting the Signs of SAD in Seniors:

It can be hard to tell if a senior is suffering from SAD since many of the symptoms can overlap with other common health issues in older adults. But here are some key signs to look out for:

• Persistent Sadness: If your loved one seems consistently down, hopeless, or empty, it could be more than just a passing mood.
• Loss of Interest in Activities: When seniors no longer enjoy activities they once loved, it could be a sign of depression.
• Changes in Sleep: Sleeping too much or struggling to get any decent rest at all, changes in sleep patterns are a common symptom of SAD and sleep is vital for good health.
• Feeling Tired All the Time: Feeling drained and lacking energy, even after a good night’s sleep, is another red flag that something might not be quite right.
• Trouble Concentrating: Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions can be linked to SAD.
• Increased Irritability or Restlessness: They might seem easily frustrated, agitated, or more impatient than usual.
• Withdrawal from Others: Seniors who begin isolating themselves or avoiding social activities may be struggling with their mental health.

If you're concerned that a senior loved one is showing signs of seasonal affective disorder, it's important to talk with their doctor. A physician can give them a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan to help them feel better.

Why are Minnesota Seniors More Susceptible to SAD?

Several factors make seniors in Minnesota more susceptible to SAD:

• Less Sunlight: Winter days in Minnesota are short, and the lack of natural sunlight can disrupt sleep patterns and mood-regulating hormones, like serotonin.
• Reduced Outdoor Activity: The cold, snowy weather often keeps seniors indoors, limiting their physical activity and social interactions—both vital for emotional health.
• Social Isolation: As many families travel south for the winter or weather conditions make it hard to visit, seniors often find themselves more isolated during the coldest months.

How to Manage SAD:

There are some easy things we can do to help manage symptoms of SAD. Here are a few simple suggestions:

• Light Therapy: A light box that mimics sunlight can help reset the body’s internal clock and improve mood. This can be especially beneficial during the long, overcast weeks of a Minnesota winter.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, even low-impact exercises like stretching or light yoga, can help boost energy levels and improve mood.
• Stay Connected: Encouraging seniors to stay connected with family, friends, or community activities can reduce feelings of loneliness.
• Balanced Diet: Seniors should eat a diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as diet plays a significant role in overall well-being and it can also help stabilize mood.
• Counseling (Therapy): Counseling can be helpful for discovering coping strategies and working through the negative thoughts and feelings that often go along with seasonal affective disorder.
• Medication (If Necessary): Sometimes physicians could recommend taking antidepressant medication to manage severe SAD symptoms.

How Visiting Angels Can Help in the Minneapolis Metro Area:

At Visiting Angels St. Louis Park, we understand the challenges that Minnesota winters bring for seniors, especially when they’re dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Our experienced caregivers are available to provide support and care to seniors in St. Louis Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Richfield, Robbinsdale, and the surrounding areas. 

• Companionship and Social Interaction: Caregivers provide companionship, conversation, and activity-based care to reduce seniors’ feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Assistance with Personal Care Activities of Daily Living: We assist with daily tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and running errands, which are more challenging for many seniors during the winter months.
• Encouragement and Support for Physical Activity: Caregivers encourage and assist seniors in staying active by taking them on walks, community events, and helping them find other forms of physical activity.
• Transportation: Caregivers can provide transportation to local activities and appointments to help seniors maintain connections outside of the home.
• Monitoring and Communication: All Visiting Angels caregivers are trained to observe changes in mood and behavior. They will notify our case managers and these observations will be communicated with family members and healthcare providers as needed.

Supporting Seniors Through Every Season:

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious condition, but with the right strategies and support, seniors can manage it effectively. At Visiting Angels St. Louis Park, we’re here to help your loved one navigate the challenges of Minnesota winters and maintain their quality of life throughout the year. Reach out to Visiting Angels St. Louis Park today or call us at 952-935-0789 to learn more about how we can help your loved one combat the winter blues and maintain their quality of life.