Karen’s Korner
According to Aging Care, “Falls and hypothermia are likely to top the list of caregiver concerns during the icy winter months, but seniors are also at risk for some lesser-known health hazards. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and vitamin D deficiency can have damaging effects on older adults’ physical and mental health.
My grandmother called it the “old blues.” Some days she just felt a little depressed, and there is a reason for that.
As I read further along in the article, I found that “Feeling a bit glum may seem like an ordinary reaction to the fading glow of the holidays and the darker winter months. But, when that feeling of sadness persists for more than a week or two, it’s a red flag, and with winter just around the corner, we need to be aware! “Seasonal affective disorder,” is a form of depression that cycles with the seasons. It can occur during any time of the year, but it typically affects people during the winter.
“As the weather gradually gets colder and the days get shorter, people affected by winter-induced SAD will generally begin to feel the symptoms of depression. Signs of SAD include a loss of energy, changes in appetite and sleeping habits, irritability, and loss of interest in socializing and other activities.” (Aging Care)
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “SAD is more prevalent in women and people who live further from the equator, where the sun is not as strong or constant. Individuals with existing mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, more commonly experience the so-called “winter blues.”
Antidepressant medications that are often used take a few weeks to achieve their full effect, but there are other alternatives.
Bright light therapy – keep rooms light and airy.
Getting out daily in the sunshine helps, exercise, and getting out of the house helps.
A deficiency in Vitamin D is also a cause so, the safest way to treat or prevent deficiency is to ensure a senior eats food fortified with vitamin D, by naturally eating beef liver, egg yolks, cheeses, and fatty fish, like salmon. Certain varieties of milk, yogurt, cereals and juice are fortified to contain extra doses of the vitamin, but not so much as to pose a hazard to a person’s health.
If you believe an aging loved one may be experiencing something more serious than the fleeting winter blues, encourage them to meet with their doctor to determine if SAD and/or vitamin D deficiency may be to blame. (NIMH)