The Seasons are Changing

The Seasons are Changing

The seasonal changes are upon us now as summer comes towards its end and we move into autumn. The days are getting shorter and the temperature is noticeably changing. There is a distinct change in the air and the light is not as bright as it was. These changes can bring on a change of mood in all of us as we subconsciously prepare ourselves for the darker colder days and the run in to Christmas. Those with mental health conditions are often markedly more impacted leading to increased levels of low mood, irritability, lethargy and depression. People with Seasonal Affective Disorder can find the changes particularly debilitating.

How does this effect the Elderly?

Over the summer months, many of the elderly will have enjoyed seeing family and undertaking lots of social activity and hopefully getting plenty of outside exercise. The shorter colder days means less time spent outside and more time spent indoors keeping warm. Their lives therefore can become less full of activity and significantly more sedentary. This can lead to more daytime napping and reduced appetite. These behaviours can result in poorer sleep patterns and weight loss.

Seasonal Changes and Alzheimer’s

Research in the US has shown that the cognitive ability of those with Alzheimer’s is significantly better in late summer and early autumn than it is in winter/spring. Those with early to mid stage Alzheimer’s might be significantly impacted by what is known as sundowning. This is where changes to their circadian rhythms might bring on increased confusion and irritation towards the end of a day. This is not helped if the shorter days also bring along changes in routines.

Physical Changes

The slower metabolic rates of the elderly mean they are less able to keep themselves as warm as the younger generation. Exercise to keep the heart pumping and the muscles active helps with the metabolic rate and, assists with balance thereby reducing the risk of falls.

What can be done?

I am a huge fan of keeping the elderly active and the importance of exercise. We always encourage our great team of CareGivers to get our clients up and out of their armchairs and ideally out of the house, weather permitting and when it’s safe to do so. Exercise can help prevent disease and boost cognitive functions.

How can we help?

A good homecare agency knows the importance of exercise and encouraging independence in the elderly. We are there to support our clients, not take things away from them. Our Caregivers are insured to take our clients out in their cars to go shopping, go to a garden centre café and work towards increasing client wellbeing where possible. This equally applies to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

If you or a loved one would like support to improve their health and wellbeing, please feel free to give my fabulous team a call on 01256 830670 or click the contact us button below.