Why are Many Seniors Facing January Blues?
The beginning of the year is always hopeful, joyful and full of positivity. Fun and happy memories of the 2-week long holiday spree are still fresh in our minds, gently reminding us that we are loved and treasured by family and friends. But gradually, as the days slide by and everyone else becomes busy with their daily lives, the incidence of seniors facing January blues increases. The cold and dreary outdoors and the emptiness indoors negatively impact seniors living alone, affecting their overall well-being.
Helping them beat this seasonal slump isn’t just about ‘cheering them up’, it’s about proactively managing their mental and physical well-being. In this blog, we share simple and effective tips to help seniors facing January blues and find warmth in the cold.
Beating the Winter Blues: 4 Practical Tips for Older Adults
The January Blues are often a mix of post-holiday fatigue and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression related to changes in seasons, specifically the lack of natural sunlight, which can disrupt our internal clocks and lower serotonin levels.
For seniors, symptoms of SAD are further aggravated by physical isolation due to icy weather. Recognizing that these feelings are a physiological response to the season is the first step toward overcoming winter blues. As concerned caregivers or family members, you can help your aging loved one by encouraging them to follow these wellness tips to manage winter blues:
1. Seek the Light
Since a lack of sunlight is a primary culprit of seniors facing January blues, prioritize getting as much sunlight as possible. Given the cold winters, bright sunny mornings can be difficult to come by, however, here are some ways to ensure seniors get adequate light:
- Open the Curtains: Even on cloudy days, natural light is more powerful than indoor bulbs. Seniors facing January blues can sit by a window for at least 30 minutes each morning.
- Light Therapy: If your elderly live in a particularly dark climate, consider a SAD lamp. These devices mimic outdoor light and can help regulate their mood and sleep cycle.
- Outdoor Strolls: If the pavement is clear and the temperature is manageable, a 10-minute walk can do wonders to uplift your elderly’s mood and set right their perspective.
2. Maintain a ‘Social Anchor’
The silence following a busy December can be jarring. To combat loneliness amongst seniors facing January blues, you can create a structured social calendar for them. This should include:
- Scheduled Calls: Set a standing date for a weekly video call or phone chat with a relative or friend. This ensures your loved one is not waiting anxiously for the phone to ring.
- Community Centers: Many local senior centers offer indoor activities like bridge, book clubs, or crafting. These provide a reason for the elderly to get dressed and leave the house, which is a powerful mood booster.
- Volunteering: Your seniors have undoubtedly acquired a variety of skills over their lifetime. Encourage them to share their skills, whether it’s knitting blankets for a shelter or tutoring over Zoom. This helps provides them with a sense of purpose and can be a great tool to bridge the gap between holidays.
3. Nourish Mind and Body
What we eat directly impacts how we feel. In winter, especially for seniors facing January blues, it’s tempting to indulge in heavy, sugary comfort foods, but these often lead to energy crashes. Family members or caregivers can nourish the senior’s health with:
- The “Mood Food” Diet: Planning a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon and walnuts) and Vitamin D (found in fortified cereals and eggs) which are linked to lower rates of depression.
- Hydration: Central heating is an essential during the winters; however, it can be very drying. Staying hydrated is crucial for seniors facing holiday blues to prevent brain fog and fatigue.
- Limiting the News: Constant exposure to negative news cycles can increase anxiety amongst seniors facing January blues. Instead, they can replace 30 minutes of the monotonous news with a favorite audiobook or music playlist.
4. Set Micro-Goals
While January is indeed the month of resolutions, setting large goals can be overwhelming for seniors. Instead, seniors facing January blues can focus on small, achievable ‘micro-goals’ that provide a hit of dopamine upon completion. For example: Organize one kitchen drawer, finish one chapter of a book, or learn one new recipe per week.
Partner with Assured Home Nursing to Manage Winter Blues
Sometimes, the best way to help seniors facing January blues is to support them with a dedicated caregiver by their side. Whether it’s ensuring their home is safe from winter hazards, preparing nutritious meals to boost their mood, or simply providing the companionship that turns a lonely afternoon into a bright one, Assured Home Nursing is here to help.
The care team at Assured Home Nursing is specialized at providing personalized in-home care services that aim to enhance their daily living and comfort. These include Companion Care, Personal Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, 24 Hour Home Care and Diabetes Care. Our compassionate professional caregivers specialize in supporting the physical and emotional well-being of seniors throughout the most challenging months of the year. They don’t have to manage the season’s complexities on their own, let us bring the warmth and care they deserve directly to their doorstep.
Take the first step toward a safer, brighter winter for your senior facing January blues. Contact Assured Home Nursing today at(248) 593-8134 or schedule a free in-home consultation.
