During the winter, many people lose energy and feel unmotivated due to temperature drops and shorter days. In places like Elmira, Ithaca, Corning, Bath, and Watkins Glen, where temperatures fall below zero, people, especially seniors, experience overall mood changes. As the days become shorter and darker, seniors develop a predictable set of symptoms. Their energy levels decrease, and they eat more, thus gaining weight. In addition, their concentration suffers, and they withdraw from family and friends. However, as a primary caregiver, here are some helpful suggestions to help the seniors become cheerful and energetic.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating plenty of fresh foods and veggies helps keep the patient's mood high. Foods high in carbohydrates, such as whole grains and brown rice, can boost energy. Advise patients to take foods rich in omega-3 fats, like walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybeans. They are excellent at boosting moods.
2. Get Outdoor Sunlight
Bright light therapy is recommended. Perhaps as a caregiver, your patients should take walks in the winter sun and spend more time in natural light in Watkins Glen. Just a quick walk around the block can go a long way in making them sharper and feel better. Another great idea is to keep the indoor environment bright and comfortable. This helps improve mood and boost their energy.
3. Maintain Regular Sleep Patterns
With darker skies and cold weather, people tend to yearn for extra sleep. Discipline yourself to an early bedtime and get enough sleep. If your patient has trouble sleeping, assist in installing a sleep app that can help track their sleep pattern.
4. Hydrate
It is difficult to commit to drinking water during cold weather. It is essential to know that dehydration makes seniors feel tired and have dry skin. Advise the patients to replace alcohol intake with glasses of water instead.
5. Incorporate Mindfulness
Mindfulness strategies such as pilates, yoga, and meditation are good for helping your patients improve their moods while identifying with their feelings. This is a great strategy to ensure seniors escape the triggers that could lead to social anxiety and depression during the cold months.
6. Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!
Encourage seniors to schedule workouts during the day. Exercise is good for triggering endorphins which results in positive mood change. It also assists seniors in maintaining good sleep schedules during the night. Exercise should be their first line of defense against seasonal depression. Scheduling early morning workouts can energize seniors for the rest of the day.
7. Pick Up a New Activity
The cold weather in Corning and Bath makes it difficult for seniors to find hobbies that keep them active and interested. Some of the best strategies are to pick up new hobbies like painting, drawing, crafting, woodwork, or knitting during the dark afternoons.
8. Schedule Plans
Plans will keep seniors always looking forward to something. Planning something that interests them and makes them feel happy relieves stress during difficult weather. Scheduling for a beach holiday, like somewhere with more sunlight, can be helpful.
9. Get Together with Family and Friends
The cold weather tends to drive people into hibernation. However, hosting dinners and having friends come over for warm meals is essential. Scheduling fun and relaxation with loved ones could help seniors lift the cloud of seasonal depression. Close relationships are helpful in reducing isolation. Advise them to reconnect with old friends or join a support group.
10. Dress Appropriately
Winter gives seniors a chance to revamp their wardrobes with cozy clothing. As a caregiver, help seniors purchase woolen clothes, socks, flannels, and knit sweaters that will keep them warm during the season.
Get Help Adjusting to Shorter Days
Adjusting to shorter and colder days can be tough, but we at Senior Helpers can make it easier for you. If you live around Elmira, Ithaca, Corning, Bath, or Watkins Glen, contact us for more information on our caregiver services. Stay safe and take care, Senior Helpers of Elmira-Ithaca