Seasonal affective disorders in seniors is a common thing these days. It can also affect young adults but its symptoms are more prevalent in people in their golden years. This disorder manifests itself as a general state of sadness, anxiety and restlessness during seasonal changes. For example, your loved ones might feel depressed and lonely in late fall as the cold days of winter approach.
Fortunately, there is something you can do to help your family members. Seasonal affective disorder is a problem that has many solutions and one of the best things you can do is to retire your loved ones in a welcoming retirement community. Keep reading to find out other solutions as well.
Try Light Therapy
This disorder is usually triggered by a lack of exposure to sunlight. When the cold seasons arrive, temperatures drop and the human body receives less and less sunlight. This can cause a host of negative emotions and collectively they are known as seasonal affective disorder. One way you can prevent this from happening to your loved ones is by using light therapy. This therapy consists of artificial exposure to a light source that can alleviate symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy is also known as heliotherapy and it can be used to heal other common health problems as well.
Consider Moving Into a Retirement Community
As mentioned earlier, moving your loved ones into a retirement community is likely a wise choice. Although this might seem like a lot at first, keep in mind that retirement communities offer numerous health and wellness programs, planned social gatherings and events in the middle of nature. This is where your family members will be exposed to a lot of social interaction, laughter, physical activities that boost endorphins throughout the body, etc. As a result, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder will quickly and easily subside.
Vitamin D Might Help
Vitamin D is paramount for a strong immune system. It’s metabolized as a result of sun exposure, but when there’s little to no sunlight, the body can become deficient in this important vitamin. Fortunately, you can offer vitamin D supplements to your loved ones and get around this problem quickly. Vitamin D supplements are easy to find, inexpensive, and they can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder.
Consider Other Medication Options
Various medications can also help your loved ones get through seasonal affective disorder easier. For example, medications used to treat depression are also effective for people in their golden years who complain of seasonal affective disorder. However, make sure that you consult with a healthcare professional before considering the administration of antidepressant medications to your family members.
At Discovery Commons at Wildewood, our team members are experienced in dealing with seasonal affective disorder in people in their golden years. If this type of problem affects your loved ones too then make sure that you contact us today. We will help you find solutions to improve your family members’ outlook in life.
