Seasonal depression affects many seniors. Engaging in indoor activities can make the winter more enjoyable and healthy.
Depression can increase during the winter months, affecting senior health and quality of life. Indoor activities for seniors can relieve depression.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Sluggishness
Lack of Interest
Over or under sleeping
Combativeness
Moodiness
Withdrawal
Rejection of Routine
Low Appetite
Neglecting self care
About 6 million American seniors are affected by depression. For many, depression occurs or increases during the winter months. Depression can increase health risks, including the risk of death. Many indoor activities can improve seniors’ outlook and ease the effects of depression.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Loneliness and depression are linked. To brighten a loved one’s winter season, encourage social activities like:
Visiting with friends regularly
Communicating online via video chat
Letter writing or scheduled phone calls
Joining a senior hobby club
Getting involved in a religious group
Volunteering if able
CREATIVE HOBBIES
Having a goal in sight can give seniors something to enjoy and to look forward to. Find hobby projects that a senior can complete over the winter indoors. Try:
Scrapbooking
Completing puzzles
Knitting or crocheting
Making models and crafts
Painting or other arts
Playing board games
ADULT EDUCATION
Acquiring a new skill engages seniors’ minds, which is good for their mental health and can ease depression as well. Look for:
Local book clubs at the library
Community education classes
Lectures at museums
Classes for specific skills
Interest-based discussion groups
Opportunities to learn online
WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE INDOORS
Exercise is proven to relieve depression. That makes staying fit even more important for senior health. Of course, many seniors are limited in the types of exercise they can perform. Use these ideas to keep seniors moving indoors safely:
Visit malls or community centers to take walks
Find appropriate gym equipment for the home
Encourage daily stretching sessions
Sign up for senior yoga, Zumba, or aerobics
Locate an indoor swimming pool
Seek personal training at a gym or at home
Get into a strengthening program via physical therapy
DID YOU KNOW?
Binge-watching TV, a common activity for seniors in the winter, is actually linked to loneliness and depression. Encourage seniors to spend less than two hours at a time watching TV. Try not to suggest TV-watching when seniors are bored or depressed. Recommend activities that stimulate the brain, like reading or playing a game.
HOME CARE TIP
Seasonal depression can also be linked to mental health and memory disorders. If a senior’s mood does not improve despite increased activity, socializing, or exercise, encourage them to visit their doctor.
At EPAGA Home Care, our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing care to seniors and those with disabilities, including accompanying individuals in completing activities.
For more information on how we can assist you or your loved one, please visit our services page at the link below.