How to Beat the Winter Blues with your Older Loved One’s
As our loved ones age, they face many challenges. Here we will discuss the signs that show Alzheimer’s is present and how it affects seniors.
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Now that the winter months are beginning, many seniors may experience depression. Several factors include shorter and darker days, cold temperatures, and a lack of activities and vacations. Depression and seasonal sadness are hard to ignore, so it is essential to remember that every day is a true blessing and an opportunity to share with our loved ones.
It is crucial to understand that the winter blues can affect people of any age, including children. However, these are the most noticeable symptoms when determining if a family member is experiencing the winter blues.
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Overeating
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Feeling depressed and withdrawn
We must emphasize that it is okay to feel sad during the winter. It is common among many people, especially older adults. Just know that you are not alone if you recognize these symptoms in a loved one or yourself. We are always happy to offer advice and a helping hand, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
You can do a few things to overcome the winter blues and help with the symptoms. There is no magic cure, and it is essential to acknowledge that your elderly loved one may not want to participate in every activity. Therefore, the following is not a list of instructions. You can modify each exercise as you see fit to help with your home care.
1) Establish a daily routine.
When people experience the winter blues, it can be tempting to cancel social activities to stay in and “hibernate.” Staying in bed one day can quickly turn into two or three days, and breaking this habit can become challenging. You can avoid this situation by sticking to a daily routine and, for example, preparing dinner at the same time every day. Or, if you attend Sunday services at your church, don’t skip them this time of year. If you do activities at home as a family, try to maintain them, giving you something to look forward to each day.
2) Allow natural light to illuminate your home.
Along with the above point, you can make it a daily habit to open window coverings, including blinds and curtains. The sun provides essential vitamin D, which helps improve your mood. If trees or shrubs block the light from passing through your window, ask someone to help trim them. If it is within your means, going outside to get vitamin D is an excellent activity to do with seniors, be sure to take the utmost care and precautions against the cold.
3) Eat a balanced diet.
We know that during this time of year, it is customary to overeat and fill the kitchen with seasonal snacks such as cookies, easy-to-prepare food, or unhealthy restaurant food. Nonetheless, we shouldn’t let the Holiday spirit get into our heads too much. Eating a balanced diet is essential for older adults and is a natural way to increase their mood and energy. Avoid the temptation to eat unhealthy snacks and instead eat complex carbohydrates and superfoods such as hummus, blueberries, and Greek yogurt. Provide your body with the right combination of protein, carbohydrates, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
4) Stay active
Exercise, while important year-round, can be vital to keeping your spirits high during winter. You can exercise indoors, dress in layers and go outside for fresh air if the temperature is not too cold. Stretching, walking, and light weightlifting are some ideas to get you started. It may be an excellent time to buy a treadmill or exercise bike for your home. Walking is a perfect activity to share with seniors. Even though the wintry landscape can be overwhelming, you can still find beauty this season.
5) Set and Reach a New Goal.
If you’ve been putting off a task, big or small, now is the time to tackle it. Add it to your list and finally cross it off. This can help you feel motivated and may prompt you to tackle other items. You can start small projects such as making decorations, painting, or puzzles as a family.
6) Socialize
Spending time and talking to others can lift your spirits. Get together with friends or family, or give them a call. Attending a church service or volunteering in the community are great ways to be around people, engage in conversation, and change your perspective. Sharing the above activities with your senior loved ones is a great excuse to socialize with new people or those they already know.
Don’t forget that feeling sad during the winter is common among many seniors, so if you share the feelings described in this article, know that you are not alone and we can help.
Do you need someone to help you care for a senior at home? You can count on us to be that helping hand for you.
Contact us at 844-544-2378. Our support managers will provide you with the plan you and your loved ones need. Then, based on your needs, we will provide you with the best in-home caregiver to care for and support your loved ones.
