For seniors, combating seasonal depression involves taking proactive steps to ensure mental and physical health. Cultivating an enriching and fulfilling lifestyle, along with mood support for older adults, can help regulate feelings of sadness or malaise during the winter months.
The American Psychiatric Association reports that a significant number of Americans experience negative moods or face declining mental health during the winter season. Shorter days, less sunlight exposure, colder temperatures, and familial obligations can all take a toll.
For seniors in Vista, CA, even warmer winters cannot fully ward off seasonal depression. In this guide, we will discover how to beat the winter blues, seasonal wellness tips, and winter self-care ideas.
Fill your Vista, CA retirement lifestyle with activities during the daylight hours. Expect the sun to rise around 6:30 to 6:45 AM and to set around 4:30 to 4:45 PM.
Make a conscious effort to expose yourself to the sun. Open your curtains and position furniture toward the windows to maximize sunlight in your living quarters. Sit outside with a book or another activity and enjoy the warmest part of the day.
Plan outdoor exercises to benefit your physical and mental wellness. Try power walking in the morning with a group of friends, or taking a sunset stroll with your family. Even stretching outside on the grass can be a marked improvement compared to your living room.
Southern California's warmer temperatures are enjoyable, but sometimes they do not align with healthy habits in aging. For seniors who are sensitive to heat, it may be difficult to engage in outdoor physical activities during the warmer parts of the year.
For example, try some walks or hikes you may have put off during the summer. When temperatures are more tolerable, you are at less risk for dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
The winter season is full of holidays, from the multi-week Advent celebration leading up to Christmas to New Year's Day. Technically, even Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day occur over the winter season.
The holidays can bring up conflicting feelings for some seniors. You may reminisce about a loved one who is no longer with you, or lament that you are far away from your family and friends.
If you reside in a living community, consider participating in holiday activities with fellow residents. You will be able to enjoy the holidays with people who have similar interests.
Even simple actions, such as the following, can cultivate the holiday spirit and boost your mood in the depths of winter:
It can be tempting to snuggle in bed for a few extra minutes or curl up with your smartphone when the sun sets early and temperatures dip. However, disengaging from your normal routine can be detrimental to your health.
Give yourself grace and focus on self-care. Try treatments for common winter ailments, like dry skin and Vitamin D deficiency.
A common solution that can give you a boost of energy is a light box. These devices create false sunlight to help you maintain your circadian rhythm during the winter months and provide similar benefits to natural sunlight exposure.
Winter can be an isolating time of year if you do not actively seek out companionship. Similar to animals, many people like to hibernate indoors during the winter and engage in solo activities, rather than make the effort to see family and friends.
Make plans early in the season. As December approaches, invitations become more frequent, resulting in full calendars.
Some of the easiest activities to do with your family and friends include:
Since Vista is located in the heart of Southern California, winters tend to be mild. Temperatures dip at night but are typically warmer than in most parts of the country.
Temperatures range from the high forties to the high sixties during December, January, and February.
The "winter blues," also known as seasonal depression, is fundamentally different than other conditions, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Seasonal depression affects sufferers during a certain time of year, typically the colder months.
However, major depressive disorder can strike at any time, and if often chronic. MDD symptoms may worsen during certain seasons, but they can also flare up unpredictably, without a seasonal trigger.
Not necessarily. Some doctors may prescribe medication to manage the symptoms of seasonal depression. Whether you need medication depends on the severity and longevity of your symptoms.
For instance, if you find that your seasonal depression interferes with your everyday life, talk to your doctor about medication. You may also be able to find more natural remedies, such as light exposure or Vitamin D supplements.
If you are a senior in Vista, CA, you should not have to worry about seasonal depression. With this guide, you can learn how to beat the winter blues and enjoy every part of the year.
At Arcadia Place, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents year-round. Whether taking in our beautiful landscaping during spring and summer or engaging in indoor activities during fall and winter, our community has it all.
Ready to make the transition to a premier independent living community? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit our stunning campus in Vista, CA, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!