Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can have detrimental effects on senior mental health, but luckily, regular exercise can help. Through activities like walking, yoga, and strength training, you can ease depression symptoms during the darker months.
According to Physiopedia, millions of people are affected by SAD. This condition can last 4-5 months, which can make half the year intolerable, and as a result, your quality of life can take a nosedive.
While it won't eliminate all symptoms, seasonal affective disorder physical exercise can certainly decrease them significantly. And it can be extremely beneficial for seniors in Gallatin, TN, especially if they already don't get enough physical activity in their daily lives.
Here's what older adults need to know about exercise and its benefits for SAD.
Typical SAD symptoms include:
These things can already be tough enough to deal with for the average adult, but for seniors, it can be devastating. This can mean:
Not only can these factors cause an older adult's mental health to plummet, but they can also cause a decline in physical health. So it's vital to counteract symptoms with effective strategies, such as exercise.
Obviously, physical activity has benefits for the body, but it can also improve emotional health for seniors. This is why exercise is considered a protective factor for older adults.
What's incredible is that it acts as a natural antidepressant since exercise can boost levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. This results in the following key psychological benefits:
These advantages are invaluable since a boost in mental health directly supports independence and social well-being.
Winter wellness strategies almost always include exercise, and for good reason. You gain tangible physical improvements, and they can combat SAD symptoms, especially lethargy.
Here are the physical benefits of exercise for seniors with SAD:
With these physical gains, you'll build resilience, and it'll be easier to cope with seasonal challenges.
The optimal exercise for assisted living fitness and memory care engagement will be different for each person. The key is to find routines that are safe, adaptable, and enjoyable.
With that said, there are still good exercise recommendations for reducing SAD. They include:
The main thing is to be consistent. Even if you can only do 20-30 minutes of activity, three to five times per week, you'll see a significant difference in your mood and energy levels.
If you need a little seasonal mood support, that's understandable. After all, the colder and darker days can make it hard to get off the couch, and if you don't keep up with exercise, you'll feel worse.
The key is to have a routine that's both structured and flexible. Here's a general guide:
Yes, vitamin D can help with seasonal depression since it plays a role in mood regulation. It's already one of the essential nutrients for senior health, and getting extra in the winter can help with SAD since seniors tend to get less sun exposure, and therefore, less vitamin D absorption.
You can get vitamin D by eating certain foods or by taking supplements.
There's no one-size-fits-all "cure," but effective solutions include:
Many older adults find that a combination approach gets the best results.
The best exercise for anxiety is gentle aerobic activities, like:
These exercises help lower stress hormones while regulating breathing and promoting relaxation.
In many cases, SAD can go away on its own when daylight increases in the spring and summer. However, symptoms can become more severe or recur each year if you're not proactive and use management strategies, like exercise.
SAD affects people of all ages, but older adults can be more vulnerable. This is due to factors like:
You may see noticeable improvements after just a few sessions, thanks to the release of endorphins! In fact, a study by Noetel et. al published in The BMJ shows that exercise is an effective treatment for depression. However, if you want to get the most lasting benefits, you need to keep up with consistent exercise over several weeks.
If you're a senior who feels extremely down and lethargic during colder months, then you're likely affected by SAD. The good news is that you don't have to just live with the symptoms; there are many methods to fight them.
Seasonal affective disorder physical exercise is a particularly effective strategy, so look into it. While it can be challenging to get started, once you do, you'll never look back. With your newfound energy and boosted moods, you'll also be able to do more during the winter!
At The Capstone at Station Camp, we provide our residents with weekly housekeeping and laundry services so they can kick back and relax in their golden years. If you'd like to hear more about senior living in Gallatin, TN, then contact us now.