Friday, February 15, 2013

The winter blues — Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Of all places, I found this item on depression caused in large part by the weather in Northern countries, found it in the newsletter of a small political party here in Ontario, Canada.  It is cawzed by reduced light in relation to eating habits and physical activity.  It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
I am depressed, but I'm not lonely, but am having severe problems with the health service I need.

— Albert Gedraitis




Family Coalition Party (Feb15,2k13)

Winter: 


an elder's worst nightmare



Friday, February 15, 2013 - 09:14:38 AM 
by Pete Aarssen, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., EPC
It’s 5:30 p.m. and the sun is already set. Yes, the lights 
go out early in our long, cold Canadian winters. Hunkering 
down in our homes for much of our day can make even the 
sturdiest folks a little stir-crazy but for elders, the long 
winter months bring increased isolation, boredom and 
depression. Some head south for the winter but for those who 
remain, life can start to appear less satisfying. 

There is a scientific connection to the effect of reduced 
light on our moods, eating habits and physical activity: it 
is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, known also by the 
appropriate acronym S.A.D. The likelihood of developing 
S.A.D. increases during winter months. Elder’s face 
increased isolation and loneliness as a normal part of the 
aging process. 

Later in life, they see a narrowing of their social network 
brought on by the deaths or institutionalization of their 
peers and extended family members. With fewer and more 
globe-trotting children, elders also experience the physical 
and sociological distancing of themselves from their 
children. With decreases in physical mobility as they age, 
elders grow more dependent on others but have fewer to which 
to turn. In some cases, their gloom turns to depression. 

Depression is four times more likely to strike people over 
age 65 than any younger age group. It is readily treated but 
few get the help they need. It is difficult for anyone 
supporting an elder- a child, a sibling, or a caregiver- to 
imagine ramping up the attention they already pay to their 
loved ones. However, it is more important than ever to stay 
in touch with elders during the winter season, to increase 
visits or make excuses to call them. (I hope my mother is 
not reading this column!)

It isn’t easy. We all have busy, demanding lives. But if we 
can stop for a minute to consider that more than 90% of 
elders live alone or with one dependant, we will also 
realize that it doesn’t take much to brighten their day. 
Make personal contact by picking up the phone, stopping in 
for tea, popping up on Skype, or even sending a text message 
if you’re really on the go! 

Health professionals assert that psychological well being is 
interconnected with physical and social health. It’s true! 
My siblings and I can almost pin point when my mother’s 
existing chronic health ailments are going to be at their 
worst: usually when there has been a prolonged gap in people 
having visited. 

As we age, our time perspective changes. I can think to 
myself ‘I just saw my mother a week ago’ but to her, that 
can seem too long. We don’t have to do all the socializing 
ourselves and it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

There are also some great community social programs 
available. Some include home visits. Sadly, they are less 
familiar to elders so time spent investigating them would be 
wise. There are services that can be purchased as well. 
These range from home care to snow removal to meal and 
cleaning services. Even if hiring a service is not entirely 
needed, you will be adding another socializing experience to 
their week. And high school students can earn their 
community service hours by visiting elders too! 

So remember, before you curl up in front of the fire with a 
cup of hot chocolate with your family tonight, think of who 
would appreciate a visit or a phone call from you the most. 
I’ll bet an elder comes to mind.

Reprinted by permission.

Pete Aarssen is a Certified Financial Planner and Elder 
Planning Counselor, currently working as a Regional Director 
with Freedom 55 Financial Division. His work as the Elder's 
Spokesman has made him an in-demand speaker on elder issues 
in Canada.

He and his wife Shelley live on a hobby farm with their four 
children outside of Sarnia, Ontario.

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