You can reverse seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in seniors with a mix of light therapy, daily movement, and emotional support. TerraBella Athens offers a supportive senior living community where these strategies are part of daily life.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, seasonal affective disorder impacts approximately 5% of adults in the US. There's a chance that your loved one struggles with their emotions during colder months. They may even have a tougher time if they are also dealing with health and mobility challenges.
While winters in Athens, TN, are shorter, they still carry long, gray days. Luckily, the city has a tight community and access to cultural spots like Mayfield Dairy Farms, which makes it easier to brighten a senior's routine.
It's not always easy to distinguish normal winter sluggishness from seasonal affective disorder. Here are the signs you should watch for in your loved one:
While in a senior living community, your loved one may start skipping meals. They may also avoid group activities and seem withdrawn. Recognizing these signs early helps ensure they get winter mental health support.
The National Institute of Mental Health confirms that SAD can last for four to five months. Your loved one may start showing signs at the beginning of the fall, which may persist up to spring.
If you don't get them the help they need, they may experience SAD year after year. At TerraBella Athens, we track wellness throughout the seasons. Doing so helps us adjust care plans and provide more engaging activities to improve your loved one's mental health.
Helping your loved one achieve emotional balance in aging doesn't require huge changes. You just need to make small efforts and be consistent.
When your loved one spends time in a bright space or uses a light box, it helps reset their internal clock. Other benefits include:
Accessing more light during colder months can reduce the heaviness caused by seasonal affective disorder.
Our senior living Athens community has common spaces that let in plenty of natural light. The staff can also guide your loved one when using light therapy to ensure their safety.
Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to help your loved one fight SAD. Even a 15-minute walk or gentle stretches can raise endorphin levels and improve emotional balance.
The assisted living engagement programs offered by TerraBella Athens help your loved one stay physically active. They can enjoy senior living activities like:
Our staff can help develop a personalized fitness plan for your loved one based on their comfort level and health condition.
They can also guide them through the exercises. Facilitating movement and making it part of seasonal routines improves seniors' resilience.
Good mental health support can help your loved one handle seasonal affective disorder. They can talk to a counselor or join a small group of seniors dealing with emotional challenges. Having someone to listen makes them feel supported and less lonely.
Mental health support is a critical part of assisted living and memory care wellness. At TerraBella Athens in TN, we pay attention to mood changes and create plans to help your loved one feel emotionally stable. Our support helps them face the winter months feeling connected and cared for.
Healthy food and sleep patterns can help reverse SAD. Encourage your loved one to do the following:
TerraBella Athens makes nutrition and sleep support part of everyday senior care. We provide comfortable private apartments and chef-prepared meals that address seniors' dietary needs.
If your loved one shows signs of deep withdrawal or has been expressing hopelessness, they need professional support.
Their senior living community can help you coordinate visits with healthcare providers to ensure they don't miss any appointments. The staff will also observe them for any changes and update you regularly.
Yes. Even in the colder months, your loved one can still benefit from spending time outside. A short walk around the city will improve mood and boost energy. They can go to spots like:
These areas are safe, and they allow seniors to enjoy nature while exploring the beautiful city.
Your loved one can also get fresh air and natural light in their senior living community. TerraBella Athens offers numerous ways to stay active outdoors while ensuring safety.
Seniors can play board games with other residents around the paved patios. They may also take a gentle walk around the community to stretch.
Routine gives your loved one a sense of stability, which is crucial when dealing with SAD. At TerraBella Athens, we provide predictable schedules for all our residents.
Our programs can help your loved one reduce stress and avoid long periods of isolation. By keeping life structured and engaging, we make it easier to manage seasonal challenges.
You don't have to watch your loved one struggle with their mental health winter after winter. Encourage movement and provide them with professional mental health support to reverse seasonal affective disorder. Let them enjoy comfort and stability by choosing an engaging senior living community.
TerraBella Athens offers personalized, compassionate care to support every aspect of seniors' well-being. We honor military veterans by giving eligible new residents 50% off their first month's rent. Contact us to help your loved one achieve emotional balance year-round.