Light Therapy for Seniors With Seasonal Affective Disorder
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Light Therapy for Seniors With Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is something that affects many people during the changing seasons. There are actually two types of SAD. The first begins in the fall and continues through the winter, while the second begins in the spring and continues through the summer. However, the first kind tends to affect people more. According to Everyday Health, 4-6% of people in the US experience it, but up to 20% have a milder form, often termed "the winter blues".

Seniors are particularly susceptible to SAD because they are less mobile, meaning they can't go out as often. They also tend to be deficient in vitamin D which contributes to SAD. Fortunately, light therapy and taking up new hobbies and activities can help seniors alleviate the symptoms of this disorder.

Using Light Therapy to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

One of the easiest, safest ways to treat SAD in Asheville is light therapy. Using a light box for as little as half an hour a day can help many people, seniors included, to feel better.

A light box is exactly what it sounds like—a box that emits light. But the light emitted by this box is very bright and mimics natural daylight more than an ordinary light bulb. Further, these light boxes can emit light at a range of 2,50010,000 lux, a unit that measures the brightness of the light. Light boxes in the higher range emit light for less time while those in the lower range can be used longer.

Using the light box first thing in the morning can help combat SAD. Seniors should sit at least 16-24 inches away from it, without looking directly at it. Light therapy should have an effect within two weeks.

Changing Indoor Lights

In Hendersonville, increase the lights to combat a senior loved one's SAD. However, normal light bulbs may not be enough for this. Consider the light bulb's color rendering index (CRI) to understand if this will help. This index range includes 1-100 CRI, and light bulbs at 92 CRI or more mimic natural daylight. Thus, helping with the senior's SAD.

Although a light box is the best option for light therapy, changing the light bulbs around the house also has positive effects.

Getting More Natural Light to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Another very easy way to combat SAD in Arden is to get more natural light. Even during the autumn and winter months, there is some natural light during the day. So, sitting near a window when indoors or planning more outdoor activities allows seniors to get more natural light to combat SAD.

Have seniors go outdoors in the morning or the afternoon when there is natural light. If they can combine their excursion with meeting some friends, that will lift their mood even more!

Taking a stroll on a walking path, taking a dog for a walk, going on a picnic at the park, or getting coffee at an outdoor café can increase a senior's natural light. Seniors don't have to spend too much time outdoors as even half an hour can help.

In-Home Care With Senior Helpers Asheville

If your senior loved one in Asheville, Hendersonville, Arden, or Fletcher is experiencing SAD, consider seeking help from Senior Helpers Asheville. Our caretakers can ensure that your senior receives at least half an hour of light therapy or natural light a day. They can also take seniors for short outdoor excursions in the winter to enable them to get some natural light.

Contact us to learn more about the benefits of light therapy for seniors with SAD.