This holiday season and throughout the winter months, as the days grow shorter and the temperatures dip, many seniors grapple with feelings of sadness, irritabilityand a lack of energy, commonly called the “winter blues.”
Homage Senior Services, a 50-year-old organization based in Lynnwood that provides critical services to Snohomish County older adults and people living with disabilities, has outlined practical tips to help seniors cope with the seasonal issue.
According to Homage’s Mental Health Programs Manager Nancy Brosemer, having the “winter blues” involves:
– Sadness during the fall and winter months
– Trouble sleeping
– Lack of energy or motivation
“Many people may experience the winter blues when the weather shifts from bright days to the cold, dark days of winter,” Brosemer said. “This seasonal shift can affect anyone, leading to challenges in motivation and sleep. While the winter blues are not categorized as a mental health diagnosis, one group particularly vulnerable during this time is seniors, many of whom may experience heightened feelings of loneliness, particularly during the holidays when family gatherings and social events are common.”
Statistics reveal that approximately 28% of seniors live alone, and a significant portion of this population reports feeling lonely during winter.