The dark and dreary days of winter can take an emotional toll on any of us, sapping our energy, enthusiasm and zest for life. However, the winter blues can be especially difficult for aging loved ones who are already considered to be at greater risk of becoming depressed.
Once the holidays have passed, we enter a seemingly interminable stretch when winter’s colder and shorter days seem like they will never end. During this period, older adults will sometimes dwell on the people and abilities they’ve lost over the years and become listless and forlorn.
Winter can be one of the most picturesque seasons of the year. Gently falling snow and the sparkle of ice-covered trees can create beautiful landscapes for the eye to behold. However, winter’s natural beauty is also accompanied by conditions and circumstances that can create serious health and safety concerns for older adults.
The cold and flu season can bring discomfort and short-term misery for any of us. Fortunately, most of us get over the unpleasant symptoms in a few days or at most a couple of weeks.
For senior adults, however, the flu season brings along much greater concerns. The risks can be much higher and the consequences can be much more severe for seniors.
Mary Kate Wacker, Director of Admissions at Bryn Mawr Terrace in Bryn Mawr, Pa., says, “Many of us enjoy the change of seasons and the unique beauty that each time of year brings to our world. While all of the seasons can be appealing in their own way, the winter months can also bring special challenges and hazards. This is particularly true for older Americans, some of whom may be already dealing with vision, balance, mobility or general health challenges.
