Getting Through "The January Blahs" Together: Strategies For Helping Struggling Seniors Move Forward

The late fall/winter season can be a time of significant challenges for many people. In addition to the shorter days and cold nights, many senior adults experience struggles with seasonal depression. This depression, often referred to as the "January Blahs", can make it hard for senior adults to follow through with any of their usual activities or even feel motivated to get out of bed. Families and caregivers for senior adults can support their loved one in a variety of ways, however. Here are some ways to get through the "January Blahs" together, direct from Senior Helpers Madison, WI. 

Stay Active

Staying active is one of the best ways to fight seasonal depression. Seniors who have an established exercise routine could be encouraged to stick with it when caregivers participate with them. If your senior loved one doesn't currently have an exercise routine, consider starting one with them. Not only will both of you be able to keep each other accountable, but it will be something that the senior can look forward to as a social activity as well.

Eat Healthy Meals Together

Eating healthy meals that contain plenty of nutrients can help people of all ages stay fit and feel good. Healthy snacks, such as fruit, nuts, and lean protein, can all have a positive effect on physical and mental health in the long run. Consider planning and preparing healthy meals together, so that the process of cooking can become part of a senior's daily life. 

Try a New Meaningful Activity

If your senior loved one is feeling depressed or "blue," picking up a new activity or hobby can be a great way to offset this. Many senior centers or community organizations offer special classes or group activities that your senior loved one might enjoy. Alternatively, doing an activity at home is a great option. Cooking, painting, crocheting, or playing outdoor games are all wonderful ways to get seniors active and connected with their own sense of personal well-being.

Stick to an Established Schedule

According to Everyday Health, maintaining a regular schedule can help improve sleep, which can help to alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression. Additionally, eating at regular times every day can help to prevent weight gain, which is a known side effect of seasonal depression. If your senior adult doesn't follow a consistent schedule on a day-to-day basis, encourage them to start following one right along with you, including setting an alarm and possibly enjoying some peace and quiet with morning coffee.

Senior Helpers Provides Custom Caregiving Solutions

Senior Helpers Madison, WI is dedicated to helping senior adults live happy, healthy, productive lives. If you have questions about how to help your senior loved one establish and follow a new routine, contact us today! We work with seniors in and around the Madison, Beloit, Janesville, Stoughton, Monroe, and Oregon areas, providing personalized caregiving services that are tailored to meet the needs of every person.