Signs of seasonal affective disorder in seniors become common during the fall and winter months. Recognizing these symptoms early helps families seek appropriate support and treatment. Knowing how seasonal mental health affects older adults can help you take care of your well-being.
The American Psychiatric Association reports that approximately 5% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal affective disorder, with symptoms lasting about 40% of the year. For seniors, these numbers can be even more concerning.
Older adults may be more vulnerable to SAD due to age-related changes in circadian rhythms and reduced exposure to natural light. Bell Oaks Place, located at 4200 Wyntree Drive, Newburgh, IN 47630, provides year-round emotional wellness for seniors every season.
Below is a guide that explores the ins and outs of seasonal affective disorder in seniors.
Seasonal affective disorder in older adults is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It often begins in late fall, when daylight hours decrease, and continues through the winter months.
This decrease in natural light upsets your body's internal clock, negatively affecting sleep and mood. Having little exposure to sunlight also lowers your serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone. As a result, you may experience terrible winter mood symptoms.
If you are a senior living in Newburgh, Indiana, assisted living community, you have a high risk of experiencing SAD due to the extreme northern climates. Luckily, many seniors can get help to manage SAD through wellness programs.
While SAD can present differently in each person, some symptoms consistently appear across cases. These include:
If you experience three or more of these symptoms for two weeks or longer, you should seek professional evaluation. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and improves quality of life.
The low energy experienced by elderly people in senior living communities in Newburgh, IN, may come from various causes, so proper diagnosis is crucial. Doctors diagnose SAD through:
A thorough medical history review where healthcare providers ask about symptom timing and family history of depression. They'll examine when symptoms first appeared and whether they follow seasonal mental health patterns among seniors.
Physical examinations help rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Blood tests can check thyroid function and vitamin D levels, which affect mood in seniors.
These assessments involve detailed questionnaires about mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and daily functioning. Your doctor will look for specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
Effective treatment for SAD combines multiple approaches tailored to each senior's needs. Here are some treatment options:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps seniors develop coping strategies and change negative thought patterns. CBT for SAD often produces lasting results even after treatment ends.
Medication may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases. You may have to take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to balance brain chemistry for seniors in Newburgh.
Changing your lifestyle can have a good impact. Lifestyle modifications include:
Treatment works best when started early. Families in Newburgh can access help through supportive communities that focus on senior mental health.
Light therapy is an optimal treatment. Special light boxes that emit 10,000 lux of light help regulate circadian rhythms and boost mood, as per Mayo Clinic. Ensure you get at least 20-30 minutes of light therapy each morning.
SAD doesn't necessarily worsen with age. However, it can feel more challenging for seniors dealing with multiple life changes. Older adults often face reduced mobility, which limits their outdoor light exposure.
They may also be taking medications that affect mood or managing chronic health conditions that increase depressive feelings. The good news is that with proper treatment, seniors can manage SAD effectively at any age.
The key is recognizing symptoms early and creating a strong support system. Communities like Bell Oaks Place provide the structured activities that help seniors deal with seasonal challenges successfully.
For most seniors with winter-pattern SAD, symptoms peak in January and February. These months bring the shortest days, coldest temperatures, and the least amount of sunlight in Indiana.
SAD symptoms often begin in late fall, then start improving in March as daylight hours increase. However, timing will vary. Some seniors notice symptoms as early as September, while others don't struggle until after the holidays.
Tracking when your symptoms appear and worsen helps healthcare providers develop targeted treatment plans.
Yes, vitamin D supplementation can help with managing emotional wellness for seniors with SAD. Having a vitamin D deficiency may worsen seasonal depression because this vitamin promotes serotonin activity, which regulates mood. During Newburgh's winter months, many seniors develop low vitamin D levels due to reduced sunlight exposure.
Supplementing vitamin D can help you enjoy its benefits even during the cold months. However, it's essential to collaborate with healthcare providers to determine the appropriate doses for your supplements. While Bell Oaks Place can't prescribe vitamins, our team coordinates with your healthcare providers to ensure proper medication management.
Signs of seasonal affective disorder can help you deal with the issue before it worsens. Creating a supportive environment to deal with SAD helps improve your quality of life in senior living.
At Bell Oaks Place Assisted Living, we've mastered the art of turning winter days into moments of engagement. When snow falls in Newburgh, our residents enjoy activities such as card clubs, bingo, worship services, and live entertainment. We provide regular social interaction and mental stimulation to beat SAD symptoms.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and see firsthand how our approach to holistic senior care.