Seasonal Affective Disorder Physical Exercise Benefits for Seniors

There are a wide range of seasonal affective disorder physical exercise benefits to help seniors feel better during the winter months. From mood-boosting endorphins to increased muscle strength, exercising can help older adults thrive both mentally and physically.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 5% of Americans suffer from SAD annually. This mood disorder lasts for 40% of the year, so SAD can greatly decrease the quality of life for older adults suffering from it.

Luckily, there's hope!

Deer Park, TX, is known for its natural beauty from Dow Park to Armand Bayou Nature Center. To experience these gorgeous locations, it's important to first combat the impacts of SAD and build up the motivation to wander.

Here, we'll discuss some winter wellness tips for residents of the top independent living community in Deer Park. Read on for some senior fitness habits that can help you break the cycle of seasonal depression.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder. Those who have SAD will experience symptoms of depression and anxiety in the colder months of the year. Typically, symptoms will be at their worst in the winter.

Some signs that seniors are experiencing seasonal depression may include:

• Unshakable sadness
• Hopelessness and guilt
• Numb, empty feelings
• Loss of motivation to do activities
• Loss of interest in hobbies/passions
• Sleep changes, including sleeping too much or being unable to rest
• Difficulty getting out of bed
• Constant fatigue
• Overeating and weight gain

Look out for these symptoms as the seasons change. If you feel lethargic or lack motivation, talking to a compassionate Morada Deer Park caregiver may give you some insight into whether you're suffering from SAD.

Does Exercise Help With SAD?

The Mayo Clinic has published research showing a link between exercise and combating depression.

While there's still a lot of research to be done about this connection, exercise definitely helps reduce SAD symptoms. It can also keep them away even after you get rid of the initial symptoms, so the long-term benefits of seasonal affective disorder physical exercise are great.

There are several reasons for this, but the primary one is that exercise releases positive endorphins. Endorphins, or brain chemicals that can alter mood, go through regular fluctuations. Those with SAD have fewer endorphins, and exercising releases them and boosts mood.

Exercise-based independent living routines also serve as mindfulness activities. When you think about stretching and movement, you won't be turning bad thoughts around and around in your mind.

This can help you break out of bad thought patterns and get your restlessness out in a healthy way.

What Best Helps Seniors Reap Seasonal Affective Disorder Physical Exercise Benefits?

Exercise routines aren't one-size-fits-all. One person may be better suited to short, intense bursts of exercise. Another may require low-impact activity.

Seniors usually fall into the latter category. This is true even for those in independent living. Older adults need to exercise consistently and strengthen their bodies while avoiding heavy exercises that can cause injury.

Luckily, pretty much any kind of workout can make for good senior fitness habits. Some of the best exercises for seniors to try include:

• Chair yoga
• Slow, steady walks
• Indoor walking exercises in well-appointed apartments
• Cycling for a more intense leg workout
• Lightweight lifting and strength training
• Pilates for alignment and core strength
• Swimming and water aerobics

All of these get older adults up and moving. They're fun and release positive brain chemicals. This leads to fewer depressive symptoms and greater enjoyment of the world around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Quickly Will I Feel Better After Starting to Exercise?

Since exercise immediately releases endorphins, you may feel more lively within ten minutes of your first workout.

However, this is a short-term effect of one exercise routine. Researchers at The Guardian liken it to a small dosage of a medicinal pill.

However, this small "dosage" doesn't necessarily mean lasting effects. The same article states that you need to make exercise a habit in order to get long-term mood boosts and nip SAD in the bud. It can take up to six weeks of regular exercise to feel better overall. 

Is It Better to Exercise Indoors or Outdoors?

There are pros and cons to each option. Indoor workouts are:

• More accessible to those with mobility challenges
• Easier to build motivation for since you don't need to leave your apartment to exercise
• Simple activities that you can do on your own
• A chance to walk and stretch on completely even flooring for lower-impact movement

There are also benefits to outdoor workouts, like walking on your independent living community's landscaped walking paths. They include:

• Mood-boosting Vitamin D
• Fresh air and natural light
• Beautiful visuals, especially near landscaped community areas
• Getting out of your apartment and feeling more motivated to move

So, neither option is better than the other. It's easy to implement good light and movement strategies either way. You can make your decision based on your specific mobility needs and weather restrictions.

Does Morada Deer Park Offer Exercise Events?

Our diverse calendar events include exercise workshops. You may find chair yoga and stretching on the calendar. Group walks and outdoor exercises are also frequently available.

These senior-specific exercise classes are made for those who contend with limited mobility or age-related aches and pains. They're perfect for all residents, and the diverse offerings ensure that everyone can find something they like to try out.

Boost Your Senior Fitness Habits at Morada Deer Park

Now that you know the benefits of seasonal affective disorder physical exercise, it's time to learn more about enhancing your quality of life while aging.

Morada Deer Park's active independent living community strives to ensure that every resident feels great regardless of the weather. Our team is uniquely committed to providing personally-tailored advice and exercises to each resident. We've earned a vast array of five-star reviews and top-notch testimonials from residents who enjoy our robust fitness amenities.

We're excited to show you what our indoor and outdoor amenities look like, so contact us to schedule a tour and discuss how our community can support emotional health in aging!