Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Posted on

Sep 29, 2021

To learn more aboutHome Care Assistance of Utah,CLICK HERE.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, can affect people of any age. From children to seniors,SAD leaves people feeling blue.It occurs most often in the winter months following the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Knowing how to spot the signs that you might need to intervene and get help for a senior loved one is important.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Older Adults
If the senior you love always seems a little down during the winter months, it might be more than just the post-holiday blues. The long grey days of winter and lack of exposure to sunlight may actually be the culprit.
A few of the common signs that might indicate an aging parent or older loved one is battling more than a case of cabin fever include:

Sleepiness and fatigue
Feelings of sadness that dont go away
Lethargy or a loss of energy
Problems sleeping including both insomnia and sleeping too much
Unintended weight gain or weight loss
Feeling worthless
Withdrawing from favorite groups, hobbies and organizations
Difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention span
Change in personal hygiene
Short-tempered and irritable
Tearful or weepy

If the senior you love is exhibiting one or more of the symptoms listed above, it is likely time to talk with their primary care physician. He or she is the best one to be able to decide if it is the post-holiday blues or something more serious that requires professional medical treatment.
Helping a Senior Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder
There are steps you can take each winter to prevent yourself or a senior loved one from developing SAD. They include:

Avoid alcohol or limit intake to just one or two glasses a week
Eliminate sugary foods, sodas and sweets from your daily diet
Commit to 30 minutes of daily exercise, like walking or swimming
Adopt a mindful form of exercise, such as chair yoga or Pilates
Eat a healthy diet consisting of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables
Spend time with family, friends and loved ones on a regular basis

Finally, mental health professionals often recommend a device referred to as a light box. It helps people suffering from the winter blues by decreasing the amount of melatonin in the body. Less melatonin helps you feel less fatigued. Talk with your primary care physician to see if this might be an option for you or the older adult you are a caregiver for.

Other Articles You May Like

Elevate your Well-Being

Mastering your health after 50

As you get older, health screenings and checkups become a more vital part of your overall well-being. Knowing which screenings to get after 50, and how often, will support early detection and effective treatment, while also helping you stay proactive about your health. To make being proactive even easier, weve created a handy preventive care guide filled with quick health tips and the information you need to stay on top of your health screenings. Click below to download your free health screening guide today -https://transformingage.org/mastering-your-health-after-50/- Call us today to learn more 720-505-5133.

Maintaining Independence with the Right Summer Support Systems

Supporting independence is one of the best things we can do for the older adults in our lives. The summer months, filled with events and activities, offer great opportunities to revisit how were helping seniors stay empowered, without compromising safety.What Independence Really Looks LikeIt doesnt mean doing everything alone it means having the freedom to make choices, engage in meaningful routines, and feel in control. From choosing what to eat to deciding when to go for a walk, independence is deeply tied to dignity and mental wellness.Tools That Support Senior IndependencePersonal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Allow seniors to summon help at the touch of a buttonMedication Dispensers: Help track daily doses and prevent missed or doubled medsVoice-Controlled Smart Devices: Can assist with reminders, music, and communicationTransportation Services: Ride-share apps or senior transit services can make errands and outings easierProfessional Services Can Help, TooIn-home care aides can support with personal care or light housekeepingMeal delivery services ensure regular nutrition without the burden of cookingDay programs or hobby groups promote mental stimulation and social interactionResources to Explore Support Options:Eldercare Locator  A nationwide service connecting older adults and caregivers with trustworthy local support resources.  https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspxBenefitsCheckUp by NCOA  A free, confidential tool to help older adults find benefits and support programs.  https://www.ncoa.org/benefits-checkupAARP Technology Resources for Seniors  Guides for using smart home devices, tablets, and safety tech.  https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/ Summer is a season of freedom and with the right supports in place, seniors can experience that freedom in ways that enrich their health, happiness, and quality of life. Call us today to learn more, 303-957-2555.