Seasonal Affective Disorder Physical Exercise Tips for Seniors

As the days begin getting colder, darker, and shorter, some people are prone to experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These winter months can significantly affect the physical and mental well-being of older adults. To combat this, seniors need to engage in regular physical exercise.

Mental Health America reports that in a given year, around 5% of people in the U.S experience seasonal depression. The low levels of sunlight can trigger changes in your mood.

The Woodlands, TX, offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including nature trails and parks, where seniors can enjoy a stroll. The area also has world-class golf for older adults to stay active.

Let's discover how seasonal affective disorder physical exercise supports mental health for seniors in the Conservatory at Alden Bridge Retirement Community.

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

This disorder is a kind of depression that's brought about by changes in the season. During winter, the nights are usually long while the days are short. Older adults with SAD find the winter months a cause for hibernation. As the sun disappears, your mood also changes.

Below are some of the symptoms of SAD:

Appetite changes that can cause weight gain
Feelings of hopelessness or sadness
Increased sensitivity and irritability
Suicidal thoughts
Oversleeping and fatigue
Loss of energy
Finding it hard to concentrate

Fitness for emotional wellness is beneficial for seniors with SAD. Physical exercise releases endorphins, hormones that improve your mood and reduce pain. Additionally, staying active increases your metabolism, which improves your energy levels.

Other advantages of active aging routines for seniors with SAD include the following:

Reduces anxiety
Improves the quality of sleep
Increases your self-esteem

What Are the Best Active Aging Routines for Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Specific exercises are highly recommended in treating seasonal affective disorder in seniors in independent living in The Woodlands, TX. These low-impact and senior-friendly aerobic activities include the following:

Dancing
Walking
Strength training
Gentle stretching
Running
Tai chi
Swimming

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for seniors aged 65 and above. This means exercising for approximately 30 minutes every day for five consecutive days.

At the Conservatory at Alden Bridge, we promote healthy habits in retirement by offering a fully equipped wellness and fitness center. Our Dimensions Wellness program encourages residents to stay active by providing senior-friendly exercise classes.

Our senior living community also features well-manicured gardens and walking paths, perfect for residents who prefer taking a stroll in the evening or early morning.

What Are Some Tips to Improve Senior Mental Health?

Encountering new challenges, such as changes in weather, can negatively affect our psychological and emotional well-being. Below are some senior mental health tips to help deal with seasonal affective disorder:

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Living healthily can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Seniors should aim for between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Other healthy habits in retirement that you should adopt include the following:

Limit your intake of alcohol
Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet
Avoid vaping or using tobacco

Senior living in The Woodlands, TX, provides a sensational restaurant-style dining experience to residents. You get to enjoy nutritious meals three times daily.

Stay Socially Connected

By sharing your feelings with those around you, you can improve your mental well-being. Senior living community at The Woodlands, TX provides an excellent opportunity to socialize with other older adults as you share your experiences. You can interact with your peers in the card and game room as you get competitive.

Social interaction keeps your mind off the negative mood caused by seasonal changes.

Stick to a Daily Routine

Routines give us a sense of predictability and structure. It's easy for seniors to get bored, especially after retirement. However, staying at an independent living community at The Woodlands, TX can help you stick to a routine daily and eliminate feelings of boredom.

There's a full calendar of enjoyable recreational, educational, cultural, and social activities that you can take part in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time of the Year Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Appear?

SAD presents as depression, except it only occurs at specific times of the year. Symptoms of SAD typically begin in early winter and late fall and disappear during summer and spring. This kind of seasonal depression may worsen during early winter or late fall and end during the sunny days of spring.

What Should You Avoid Doing When You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

The last thing you need to do when experiencing SAD is have a list of things that add to your depressive feelings. Below are some things you should avoid when going through seasonal depression:

Avoid staying in bed all day
Stay away from things or people who promote negative thoughts
Don't spend most of your time indoors or alone
Don't allow your stressors to pile up
Avoid comparing yourself to other seniors in the independent living community
Avoid staying in dark areas
Don't give up hope
Avoid the temptation of eating unhealthy foods

What Time of Day Is Best to Exercise to Keep Off Seasonal Depression?

Exercising in the morning can significantly improve your psychological state. Starting your day by being active increases your energy levels, which, in turn, improves your mental activity.

Moreover, morning sweat can lead to better productivity and mental health throughout the day. It also reduces stress and anxiety. As an older adult, find a low-impact exercise that works for you and stick to it.

If you're new to exercising, start with easy routines, such as taking a walk, and increase the intensity as you become accustomed to it.

Improve Your Mental Health With Seasonal Affective Disorder Physical Exercise

Seasonal affective disorder physical exercise helps in winter mood support. Engaging in low-impact workouts, such as tai chi and walking, can provide the required boost to help alleviate the winter blues.

The conservatory at Alden Bridge retirement community offers lifestyle programs designed to reduce stress and improve your health and quality of life. Our Dimensions health and fitness program features fun classes, including water aerobics, dance, and stretching, designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

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