Even with spring on the horizon, seasonal affective disorder can still be an issue for so many seniors. This condition affects millions of people during the colder winter months when days are shorter. Seniors might feel sad, have low energy, and not enjoy life.
Learning more about seasonal affective disorder allows family caregivers to offer more support, and senior home care services can help with daily activities that keep SAD at bay.
What Is SAD?
SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is a form of depression. It typically follows a seasonal pattern, and for most people, it hits in the fall and winter months when daylight is scarce. SAD can affect sleep patterns, make sufferers feel sad and depressed, and cause trouble concentrating.
Seniors with SAD might not seem to enjoy life much at all and have difficulty engaging in the activities they love.
Is SAD Common?
Millions of people experience SAD every year, primarily in areas where the winter is particularly longer and darker. For seniors, SAD can feel worse if they no longer drive, feel isolated, and battle other health issues that can contribute to depression.
Having the support they need is really important for seniors who experience seasonal affective disorder.
Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seniors with SAD might feel down or blah for no reason that they can pinpoint. They might feel like sleeping all the time, even during the day. Like with other forms of depression, SAD can leave seniors feeling uninterested in activities they usually love. They might experience appetite changes, too, either under or over-eating.
Look for Natural Light
Natural light is helpful for people who experience SAD. Senior home care providers can remind aging adults to open their curtains and let some light in. Using a therapy lamp can be especially helpful if seniors don’t get a lot of natural light in their homes.
Even a few minutes of light exposure every day can have big benefits.
Get Moving
If seniors are cleared to exercise, then moving more can help. Finding a light exercise that seniors enjoy can help them stick with it and get lots of endorphins and other benefits from moving more.
Yoga, walking in place, and even just throwing on some music and dancing can all be great ideas. Mixing it up prevents boredom.
Stay Social
Loneliness can make SAD so much worse. Senior home care providers can help with practical assistance, like making sure seniors are eating healthy meals, but they also spend time with aging adults. They offer great companionship and can help seniors to avoid isolating themselves while they’re not feeling so great.
Embrace Fun
Finding time every day to do something really fun is so important, no matter what else is going on. But for seniors with SAD, this little bit of joy can remind them that seasonal depression is temporary and there are lots of things to enjoy about life.
Even if it’s just a favorite television show, plan some fun.
Seasonal affective disorder is a very real problem, but it doesn’t have to keep seniors feeling terrible all winter long. Senior home care providers can work with them to find solutions that help them feel better and look forward to better weather.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Omaha, NE, please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878, for Central Nebraska Call 308-663-3828
AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.
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