Many seniors have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but that doesn't mean they should go through it alone. There are numerous things you may do to ease the life of a loved one at this time of year.
This informative guide will define seasonal affective depression and provide suggestions for how adult children can assist their parents in proactively coping with the condition.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that often strikes in the autumn and winter when the weather becomes more relaxed and the days get shorter. Due to being more sensitive to fluctuations in sunlight than younger generations, some individuals, particularly the elderly, experience symptoms of SAD during these months.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Signs and Symptoms
Get your elderly parent checked out if you've seen a change in behavior, such as a lack of interest in previous hobbies, trouble sleeping, or decreased eating. Seasonal depression may present with the following symptoms:
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Feeling exhausted
- Trouble falling asleep
- Experiencing shifts in hunger or weight
- Concentration problems
- Having a depressive mood
Six Tips for Dealing With Seasonal Affective Disorder
Those experiencing or living with SAD may find relief from their symptoms with the help of appropriate treatments. If your loved one is living with seasonal affective disorder, you can help by following these tips:
1. Encourage the Elderly Parents to Engage in Activities
Tell your parent it's okay to keep doing things they love in the winter, like reading or listening to music, even if it's not the same time of year. As a result, they will have something to anticipate regularly.
2. Engaging in Social Interactions
Get your parent involved in activities that allow them to socialize and form bonds with others; this may positively affect their mood. Get them on the phone and have them video chat with loved ones.
3. Engaging in Exercises
Get your parent out and about as often as possible, and encourage them to stay active. Mild depression can be alleviated, as well as physical health, by engaging in a regular exercise routine three to four times each week.
4. Make Your Parent Feel Comfy
Make sure that whatever time you spend with your parent is quality time that makes you both happy.
Bring your elderly loved one closer to their friends and family by sharing photos, videos, and greeting cards with them. Gather their friends and family together and throw a card shower.
5. Lighten the Rooms
Consider getting your elderly parent a lightbox to help them see in the gloomy winter months. This lighting system can be used therapeutically to induce a therapeutically beneficial atmosphere. Those designed for seasonal affective disorder mimic the effects of natural light.
6. Encourage Your Parent to Take Vitamin D Supplements
Your parents' doctor should be consulted before you suggest they begin taking any supplements.
If your parent is living with seasonal depression, supplementing with vitamin D may help them cope better. Supplementing with Vitamin D is beneficial since many individuals don't receive enough sun exposure to produce enough levels in their bodies.
How Senior Helpers Frederick Can Help
When it's too cold or wet to go outdoors, the Senior Helpers Frederick team organizes various inside activities to keep residents engaged and build a feeling of community. Residents of long-term care facilities can lessen the impact of SAD by maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle.
The Frederick, Thurmont, Hagerstown, and Middletown regions are all covered by Senior Helpers Frederick. Get in touch now to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.