Is your loved one starting to feel sad after all of the holiday excitement? It’s normal to feel a little “blue” after the holidays pass, but it’s important to distinguish between a quick let down and Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD. For those who may not be familiar, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter and there is a constant chill in the air. In this article, we will discuss how SAD develops and what you can do to help your senior loved one if they have the “winter blues.”
What causes Seasonal Affective Disorder? The exact cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder is unknown, but some mental health professionals believe it is related to the lack of sunlight during this time of year. Older adults that have restricted mobility or live alone are at increased risk for SAD due to decreased exposure to natural sunlight and time spent with others outdoors. Symptoms may include social withdrawal, daytime sleepiness, decreased interest in favorite activities, weight gain and increased appetite especially with cravings for fatty carbohydrates. Ways to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder Non-pharmaceutical treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder are simple and easy to implement right now. Here are some ways to treat SAD from our senior caregivers in Morris County:
All of our senior living communities in New Jersey place a strong priority on social interactions as part of providing your loved one with the highest quality of care. Socialization plays a strong role in everyone’s life, especially older adults. Keeping seniors regularly engaged with the people around them is known to minimize feelings of isolation or depression, compared to seniors who do not socialize often. At our assisted living facility, Lester Senior Living, our care services are in place to minimize daily tasks and annoyances in order to free up more time for our residents to enjoy on-campus activities and connect with other residents, both indoors and outdoors. Some of our favorite social activities include live entertainment from local talent, group dancing classes, and activity clubs like knitting, card games, and gardening. For more information on the activities we offer seniors in New Jersey, call us today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on https://jchcorp.org/how-to-combat-seasonal-depression-in-seniors/
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AuthorWe offer seniors a range of options in terms of housing, services, amenities, location and cost, all within the Jewish tradition: independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite, affordable housing, enriching programs, and on-site services for our residents, many of whom have special needs. Archives
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