5 top tips to prevent SAD in the elderly

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition that affects two to three percent of Canadians, including the elderly. Ensure that your ageing loved one is not one of those statistics by following these tips to prevent SAD in older people.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder is a seasonal form of clinical depression that usually affects people in the autumn and winter.
• The changing of the seasons disrupts the circadian, or sleep-wake, cycles of the body.
• Levels of the hormone melatonin increase during the fall and winter, causing changes in the body and brain that make people want to sleep more.

It's important that SAD is diagnosed by a medical professional, who can also advise on the best treatments.

• The main form of treatment for SAD is light, either artificial or natural.
• Light therapy is normally undertaken with a light box, and according to the Mayo Clinic, you need to use a device that is specifically designed to combat SAD.
• The lightbox should be placed within 61 centimetres of the patient, so ensure it's easily accessible to your senior.
• Generally, the light box is used in the morning for about 30 to 45 minutes at a time.
• Make sure the elderly person can retreat to a sunny, sheltered place during the day.
• Place a comfortable armchair with support cushions for the back and neck in a sunlit area.

• Exercise offers a fantastic way to combat SAD. Walking outside is the best option, but if your senior isn't mobile, seated exercise is just as good as long as it gets the muscles moving.
• Exercise and massage help reduce anxiety and stress, both of which can increase SAD symptoms.

• Seniors want to look tidy and attractive. Lift their spirits with a visit to the hairdresser or barber, or provide assistance with washing and drying clothes.
• A visit to the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning can also do wonders for self-confidence.

• Try to get your elderly loved one out of the house regularly or arrange for a daily visitor.
• Listen to their stories about things that interested them in the past and try to introduce those activities into their life in some form or another.

Older people need to get regular rest. Make the bed more comfortable with a new mattress or linens, and give the bedroom a facelift with different curtains or a coat of paint.

Using these tips to prevent SAD in the elderly will improve the life of your family member or friend.