By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    HIPPA compliance
    How Medical Office Staff Can Make Your Practice HIPAA Compliant
    October 29, 2021
    Everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid treatment
    Everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid treatment
    February 10, 2022
    Which Mushroom Capsules Are Good for Your Health?
    May 5, 2022
    Latest News
    Why Custom Telemedicine Apps Outperform Off‑the‑Shelf Solutions
    July 20, 2025
    How Probate Planning Shapes the Future of Your Estate and Family Care
    July 17, 2025
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Image
    Healthcare Pricing Transparency Gains Momentum
    June 24, 2013
    non-clinical care factors in health outcomes
    Addressing Non-Clinical Care Factors in Health Outcomes
    November 15, 2013
    e interventions
    Healthcare Progress Depends On “E Interventions”
    July 10, 2014
    Latest News
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
    How Health Choices and Legal Actions Intersect After an Injury
    July 17, 2025
    How communities and healthcare providers can address slip and fall injuries with legal awareness
    July 17, 2025
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Affect the Elderly?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Geriatrics > Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Affect the Elderly?
GeriatricsHome Health

Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Affect the Elderly?

eCaring
eCaring
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

Does your aging loved one have a case of the “winter blues” that he or she just can’t seem to shake?

Does your aging loved one have a case of the “winter blues” that he or she just can’t seem to shake?

More Read

How To Know If The Keto Diet Is Right For You
A Quick Guide to Managing and Relieving Anal Fissures
Look Good, Feel Good: Foods That Are Essential For Your Body
The Most Important Health And Wellness Essentials
The Best iPad and iPhone Apps for Seniors

This change in mood could be attributable to seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD), a form of depression that occurs during a specific time of the year, typically the winter. A common cycle for SAD involves symptoms that appear in the fall and continue into the winter, earning it the nickname “winter depression”.

What is the cause of seasonal affective disorder?

While the exact cause for SAD is unknown, mental health professionals believe a lack of sunlight, changes in body temperature, and hormone fluctuations result in this cyclical form of depression that resolves when the season change again. Researchers speculate that shorter days disturb the body’s circadian rhythm. An imbalance of the brain chemical serotonin and melatonin may also be responsible for symptoms of depressed mood and sleep changes.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

According to the NIH, older adults affect by SAD may exhibit social withdrawal, lethargy, daytime sleepiness, decreased interest in activities, increased appetite, weight gain, and cravings particularly for carbohydrates.

Why are the elderly at risk for seasonal affective disorder?

Although seasonal affective disorder impacts adults of all ages (especially women), age and lifestyle can contribute to the course of the condition. A pre-existing or family history of depression, the recent death of a loved one, and isolation may increase the risk of SAD in the elderly. Older adults who have restricted mobility, who are homebound, or reside in a residential facility may receive less exposure to natural sunlight and time outdoors. Underlying chronic conditions and medication can also be aggravated during the cold, dark winter months.

Treatments for Seniors with SAD

If you are considering antidepressant treatment for SAD, consult a medical professional to learn more about your options.

Non-pharmacological treatments for SAD are simple to implement and can make a huge difference in the happiness and wellbeing of your loved one:

  • Ambient tweaks – Welcome more light into the space where your loved one spends most of their time. Move the person’s bed closer to the window and open blinds and curtains to add more natural sunlight to the room. To bring more life into the space, add plants and accent pieces with bright colors.
  • Light therapy – Purchase a “light box” that emits UV rays similar to natural sunlight. Research shows that using a light box for 30 to 45 minutes a day can help correct chemical imbalances and regulate neurotransmitters.
  • Exercise and diet – Physical exercise is an effective means of helping your aging loved one manage his or her SAD. Consider trying low-impact water aerobics or mall walking. Since some research shows SAD may result from vitamin deficiencies, consuming a well-rounded diet packed nutrients may lessen symptoms.
  • Get outside – Accompany your loved one for walks or chat outdoors. If there is a caregiver in the home, request that your loved one spend time outdoors a few times a week.

 

 

 

TAGGED:SADseasonal affect disorder
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

botox certification
Help Improve People’s Skin Health Via Botox Certification
Skin Specialties
July 22, 2025
Telemedicine Apps
Why Custom Telemedicine Apps Outperform Off‑the‑Shelf Solutions
Health
July 20, 2025
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
Global Healthcare Policy & Law
July 17, 2025
paramedics in surgical gloves and masks
How Health Choices and Legal Actions Intersect After an Injury
Health care
July 16, 2025

You Might also Like

Home HealthPublic HealthWellness

6 Ways Living Green Can Be Better for Your Health

June 26, 2017
Geriatrics

Oh, My Aching Joints

July 22, 2012

Daddy Did WHAT?: Dementia, Sex, and Humor

June 6, 2012

Summer: The Best Season for Healthcare Marketing

June 23, 2015
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?