How to Support Your Aging Loved One Through The Changing Season

ewoodbury9
Nov 4
3 min read

Fall means beautiful changing leaves, pumpkin spice, and holiday family gatherings on the horizon! Unfortunately, fall also means that it starts getting darker earlier, the temperature begins to drop, and cold and flu season begins. This blog post will explore specific challenges faced by seniors as the season changes and share tips on how to help loved ones navigate this transitional season.

a man with a white beard smiles at the camera. He is outside wearing a light jacket, scarf, and fedora hat in front of a lush green background.

Shorter Days

One of the first noticeable changes of the season is the earlier sunset. Shorter days can impact seniors in several ways, from shortening the hours in which most senior citizens can drive to negative impacts on mental health.

Driving in low light gets increasingly dangerous with age. With sunsets happening as early as 4:30, safe driving hours for seniors are greatly diminished as compared to the summer. We observe an increase in car accidents following fall daylight savings clock adjustments. Seniors and their families can work together to ensure that their appointments and errands can be done during daylight hours when they can safely drive or find alternate transportation if an event or appointment during the evening cannot be adjusted. Be sure to take into consideration road conditions as well!

A decrease in daylight hours also contributes to poorer mental health. Darker, chillier days mean less time in the sunlight and more time spent indoors. This can can attribute to poor mental health and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While 6% of the population is diagnosed with SAD, it is estimated that up to 20% of Americans may experience mild to severe cases of SAD (CBS News).

Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness throughout the day
Difficulty concentrating
Over sleeping
Over eating
Social withdrawal

Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder from the National Institute of Mental Health.

If you or a loved one need help locating mental health services please visit NIH's resource page.

Other Safety Concerns

Another safety concern is the increased prevalence of respiratory illnesses, like the flu and pneumonia, during colder months. According to the CDC, most deaths from respiratory viruses occur in people older than 65, with risk increasing sharply with advancing age. Seniors may want to take extra precautions this time of year by getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, and staying warm. Seniors often have a difficult time staying warm as the temperature drops due to a combination of factors such as decreased metabolism or certain medical conditions that tend to affect seniors.

Care Tips for Yourself or a Loved One

Stay Connected: Be sure to keep in contact with your loved ones over these colder months. This will help to keep loneliness, isolation, and even Seasonal Affective Disorder at bay.
Keep Warm: Make sure your loved one's living space is adequately heated. Encouraging them to dress in layers and making sure they bundle up when they are going to be exposed to the elements.
Consider Getting Vaccinated: When more members of a community are vaccinated against a disease, it no longer spreads easily. Consider getting the flu vaccine to protect yourself and your community from illness this fall and winter.

Final Thoughts

The changing season brings with it many challenges for seniors. Fewer daylight hours, dropping temperatures, and the start of cold and flu season mean that aging adults have to take special precautions. Through proactive collaboration with your senior, you can help to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable fall.