Millions of Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, or seasonal depression, in the fall or winter. Even more experience changes in mood and energy levels when days get shorter, regardless of whether symptoms are severe enough to warrant a clinical diagnosis.
Seniors are already at risk for mental health struggles, and age can exacerbate many of the factors that contribute to seasonal depression. Here are some things you can do (or encourage your elderly loved ones to do) to manage the symptoms of SAD.
Companioa, by San Francisco’s Institute on Aging, includes programs that support the mental health of seniors and caregivers year-round. They offer personalized support, guidance, and comprehensive care coordination to help both patients and family members navigate the complex and ever-changing reality of life with a dementia diagnosis.
Symptoms of seasonal depression include:
Changes in sleep, whether it’s difficulty waking or difficulty falling asleep
Changes in appetite, especially increased craving for carbohydrates
Irritability
Anxiety
Listlessness or sluggishness
Confusion, forgetfulness, or “brain fog”
Lack of interest in hobbies or activities
Hopelessness or suicidal thoughts
Many of the symptoms listed above overlap with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This can make it more difficult to spot and diagnose seasonal depression right away, and as with many disorders, early diagnosis is important. Symptoms can lead to a self-perpetuating vicious cycle if left unchecked.
Why are seniors at higher risk for seasonal depression?
Seniors have an increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency because their bodies don’t process it well. Vitamin D is believed to promote the production of serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters that contribute to overall happiness.
Seniors are at an increased risk of depression at any time of year. Loneliness and isolation, which are common for older adults, can also increase this likelihood.
Limited mobility makes it more difficult for seniors to exercise or spend time outdoors. Sunlight can help regulate sleep cycles in addition to helping the body produce Vitamin D.
How seniors can improve their mental health during the winter:
Stay social.
Social isolation is a widespread problem among seniors, and can contribute to a number of health problems, including worsening dementia symptoms. Even a few hours a week of social contact can improve quality of life for seniors with dementia, but the reality of aging often makes it difficult to meet new people.
Patients and caregivers alike can benefit from a day program such as Companioa’s Adult Day Program at their Enrichment Center, where participants are able to connect with their peers in a safe environment.
Stay active.
The endorphin boost from exercise can improve some symptoms of seasonal depression. Whether it’s a low-impact walk or turning on some music and dancing at home, exercise is one of the best ways to improve mood. If you’re a home caregiver concerned about what level of exercise is appropriate, a dementia care expert can help plan and adjust activities according to your loved one’s physical abilities.
Even for seniors with reduced mobility, it’s important to stay mentally active and engaged.
Check in regularly.
Sometimes it’s harder for a family member or caregiver to notice the progression of depression symptoms, or to distinguish them from day-to-day bad moods. It can be difficult to determine when to intervene, or when a loved one might need to seek out a diagnosis from a doctor.
Care management from a trained dementia care expert can support family members and caregivers as they navigate this. Companioa’s caregiver coaches and care managers check in regularly with patients, and an outside perspective can often help family members spot the progression of symptoms that creep up gradually.
Ask for support.
For many seniors, the activities of daily living can become difficult as they age. Seasonal depression can make already-overwhelming tasks seem even more daunting. When low energy levels make it harder to get out of bed, it’s harder for seniors to manage their hygiene and self-care, which perpetuates a feeling of guilt or shame, which can worsen feelings of depression. It also becomes more difficult to cook healthy meals, which means seniors are more likely to eat processed foods, which also negatively affect moods.
In other words, if any of these tasks are neglected or impacted, they can all be affected; depression compounds countless day-to-day obstacles. For seniors living alone, a home care aide can help with these tasks. There’s no shame in asking for help with these activities of daily living when self-care becomes a challenge.
Regardless of the time of year, a little support can make all the difference for seniors with dementia and their caregivers, allowing them to focus on what matters: enjoying their time together.
