Beating the Winter Blues - Helpful Gadgets for Seniors in the Winter

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1: Preventing Falls
Part 2: Keeping Warm
Part 3: Traveling

Introduction

As seniors are less likely to go outside during the cold winter months, they are one of the highest demographics for suffering the symptoms of not receiving enough sunlight which ranges from lower Vitamin D levels to experiencing SAD.
 
SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by receiving inefficient natural sunlight which upsets the sleep-wake and other circadian cycles and disrupts the production of melatonin(a hormone that causes drowsiness and lethargy) and the mood regulating neurotransmitter serotonin as well as epinephrine. It symptoms include depression, lethargy & tiredness, irritability, agitation, increased appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
 
Here are a couple suggestions for both caregivers and seniors alike when it comes to
combating SAD and the general winter blahs. As always, consult your family doctor before beginning a new therapy routine or if symptoms of depression continue to persist.

Gadgets

Light Therapy Lamps

• These lamps are made to simulate the full spectrum of light found in sunlight while filtering out harmful ultraviolet waves and should be used for 20 - 60 minutes each day. Light therapy has also been found to help those with Alzheimer's and dementia sleep better. Keep in mind, people with photosensitivity either natural or as a side effect due to medications should consult their doctors before use.
• How to Choose a Light Box | Light Therapy Light Review | Top 10 Light Therapy Lamps |
  

Dawn Simulators

• These specific types of light therapy lamps come on gradually over a 30 minute to 2 hour time span to simulate an oncoming sunrise. The light they provide is far weaker than a normal light therapy lamp (100 - 300 lux vs 10, 000 lux) and they are often used as natural alarm clocks.
• Buying Guide | Dawn Simulator Reviews | Sun Rise Clocks | Amazon.com | Google Shopping
  

Senior Tablets

• The ability to stay connected with friends & family even during times of inclement weather is priceless when it comes to combating senior isolation and depression. These tablets specifically configured to be helpful to the elderly can also be sources of boredom alleviating games and programs as well.
  
• Grandpad | Senior Touchpad | AARP Realpad
  

Exercise Equipment

• Exercise, especially when done in natural light,  is well known to be mood boosting and provides a wide range of other physical and emotional health benefits. Note that due to their weight, dumbbells & kettlebells are suggested to be bought in person.
• Large Senior Exercise Equipment | Small Equipment - Exercise Bands | Small Equipment - Stability Balls | Elderluxe Senior Fitness Equipment | Yoga for Seniors | Tai Chi for Seniors | Eldergym Free Exercise Videos
  

Music Equipment

• Music is often used in therapy aimed at the physical, emotional, and cognitive, needs of a patient and in particular is often part of treatments for depression. Playing favorite or otherwise happy tunes when one is feeling down has been found to be a mood booster for many people. Here are a collection of various music related gadgets suitable for seniors.
• Best Senior Headphones | Guide to Senior Headphones | Retro Audio Players | Victor Visually Impaired Media Player | Guide to Senior MP3 Players | Sansa Clip MP3 Player
  

Further Information:  Benefits of Exercise for Seniors