The changing seasons can have more of an impact on us than we know. The fall and winter bring shorter days and less daylight, as well as colder weather that keeps us indoors much longer. These changes can affect more than our routine. BeeHive Homes is here to help you understand seasonal affective disorder and its role in seniors' lives.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. SAD can happen during the changing seasons but is most common during fall and winter due to shorter days and lack of sunlight. These seasonal changes have been linked to chemical changes in the brain. The risk of SAD increases with age, which means the elderly are most at risk. There are specific symptoms to look out for concerning seasonal affective disorder.
These symptoms include:
- Increased time spent sleeping or increased drowsiness.
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
- Irritability or anxiety.
- Fatigue.
- Fluctuations in weight.
SAD can be treated in many ways; however, the most common treatments are light therapy/exposure to sunlight and psychotherapy. In the fall and winter, or on the unusual New Mexico days that are cloudy, we keep extra lights on in our small group homes to help residents affected by low light. On sunny days that are warm, we’re happy to bundle our residents up warmly so they can enjoy some time in the sunshine. If you believe your loved one is affected by SAD, we encourage you to discuss the concern with a medical professional.
Our focus is caring for your family as if they were our own. If you are struggling to care for the senior loved one in your life, feel free to reach out to us. At BeeHive Homes in New Mexico, we take our residents' physical and mental health very seriously. With our assisted living facilities and senior care, we treat your aging loved ones as if they were our own.
