Winter can be a long and draining season for seniors, both physically and mentally. Ice, snow, cold temperatures and shorter days can complicate getting outside. Being stuck inside may create problems of its own, with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or loneliness around the holidays representing challenges many older Americans face.

The winter blues are known to seniors both living at home or in retirement communities. It's understandable if walking outside isn't an option, but a total lack of exercise can become a danger that goes beyond seasonal inactivity. Here are some tips on how to keep your senior healthy.

Let the sun shine in

Help your aging loved one to get more exposure to sunlight during the day to offset winter’s shorter days. Try to spend time outdoors with them to maximize the sun’s ability to give us more energy and a sunnier outlook on life. You can also open your blinds and curtains during the day and remove screens which darken the outdoor light. This is also a good spot to read a book or just relax.

Light up their life

Artificial light therapy using a light box is another way you can counteract the depressive dark days of winter for your loved one. A light box mimics sunlight and is frequently used in treating SAD. Experts say that light therapy can improve the moods of those suffering from the winter blues when used for just 20 or 30 minutes a day

Keep them moving during the day

Exercise and physical activity can be highly beneficial in beating the winter blues. Exercise helps to release uplifting endorphins in the body that can counter feelings of sadness while improving mood, overall health and mental sharpness. Try taking daily walks with your older loved and encourage them to try activities such as yoga or Tai chi. You can also enjoy doing exercise-based video games with them that simulate tennis, golf and other active sports. There are also several exercise that you can do while sitting in a chair or standing by a chair for support.

Help them stay engaged with friends and family

Spend time with your loved one and do things that they enjoy such as shopping, going out to lunch, going to an afternoon movie or playing card games. They can also consider volunteering. If they enjoy animals, for example, they could spend a few hours a week helping at a local animal shelter.

You should also encourage your loved one to spend time with friends and avoid being housebound in the winter. Healthy aging experts say that isolation can make the winter blues worse and also increases the risk of depression. If driving is a problem for them, offer to provide transportation so they can get out of the house more often.

Maintain a healthy diet

A healthy diet also plays an important role in keeping the winter blues at bay. A balanced nutritious diet provides your aging loved one with a natural way to boost their mood and energy level. Also, make sure they are receiving enough vitamin D in their diet. A vitamin D deficiency can cause excessive fatigue and a depressed mood and can be especially dangerous for older individuals. Foods such as salmon, eggs and fortified breakfast cereal can be useful in boosting your loved one’s vitamin D levels and their mood.

Keep them looking forward!

Anticipating upcoming events on the calendar can also be uplifting. Encourage your aging loved one to look forward to upcoming activities and events, whether it’s seeing the grandchildren, visiting friends, going on a trip or making plans for spring. If they have nothing to look forward to, help them plan something! It’s important for them to stay engaged, have a purpose in life and a reason to get up every morning.

Encourage an established sleep schedule

Experts in healthy aging advise that older adults should maintain a set sleep schedule in winter. Winter’s darkness can create the desire to go to bed early or sleep late, which can interfere with their body’s normal sleep-wake cycles and natural circadian rhythms.

By following these tips, you can help improve your aging loved one’s mood, outlook and emotional well-being this winter. And the good news is that spring is right around the corner!

Has the winter seemed to take its toll on the elderly person closest to you? If so know that help exists to help your loved one, and you, during these difficult times. We are here to help. Contact us for a consultation to learn all your options.