Fall and winter are infamous for shorter and cold days. These weather changes can affect people's physical and mental states. However, elderly loved ones from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, and Marina Del Rey are more susceptible to sadness, and seasonal depression. Therefore, caregivers should take extra caution to ensure that the quality of life of seniors is not greatly affected by these weather changes.
How Shorter Days in Fall And Winter Can Affect A Senior's Quality Of Life
Feeling Extremely Cold
The shorter days in fall and winter are characterized by low temperatures. For persons over the age of 65, blood circulation slows, especially in the fingers and toes. The skin also loses its elasticity, making it ineffective in heat conservation. Consequently, a person may feel extremely cold. It may be even harder for seniors living with osteoarthritis and type 2 Diabetes as the low degrees exacerbate their symptoms leading to hypothermia.
Mental Challenges
According to the CDC, shorter days in these two seasons can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is accompanied by fatigue, lethargy, and low motivation. These environmental changes may also trigger schizophrenia and dementia.
Interruption of Sleep Routine
Shorter days during fall and winter in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, and Marina Del Rey may make an individual sleep more, disrupting their circadian rhythm, which in turn affects the secretion of hormones such as cortisol and melatonin. This interruption of the sleep schedule leads to inadequate sleep at night and also increases a person's stress levels.
Tips to Improve Seniors' Quality of Life During Shorter Days in Winter
Here are tips that can help prevent shorter days during fall and winter from affecting the quality of life of senior citizens:
1. Light Therapy
Seniors need extra warmth and light during the shorter and cold days of winter. Lack of light may enhance the symptoms of SAD. Seniors should try spending more time in natural light while the sun is shining. They can also use light therapy lamps that mimic the experience of a sunny day.
2. Maintaining A Sleep Schedule
It may be tempting to oversleep during this time; however, it is important for the elderly to follow and maintain a simple bedtime routine.
3. Eating A Balanced Diet
Seniors should have a balanced diet with more vegetables, fruits, and dairy products, such as yogurt. These will boost their immune system making them less susceptible to illnesses such as common colds that are common in fall and winter.
4. Engaging in Physical Activity
As outdoor activities become limited during the colder months, seniors can try new physical activities for a healthy dose of exercise. With the help of a caregiver, they can engage in activities such as simple stretching, strength training, and yoga. These exercises will boost their mood and keep them active, minimizing gloominess during fall and winter.
5. Finding New Hobbies
Caregivers can come up with exciting indoor activities for seniors to enjoy. These can be hobbies such as knitting and crafting or board and card games like chess and solitaire. These will keep seniors engaged and provide avenues for socialization.
Find The Right Caregiver from Senior Helpers
At Senior Helpers, we have highly skilled caregivers that provide specialized senior support solutions. Reach out to us today if you or an elderly loved one in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, and Marina Del Rey needs some extra help or in-home senior care. We are happy to help.