When the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October and the afternoons grow dark, many of us feel a dip in energy and mood. For some older people, that dip is more than the winter blues. Seasonal affective disorder, often called SAD, is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, usually becoming more noticeable in autumn and winter.
Low mood in later life is sometimes dismissed as "just getting older". It isn't, and it can often be helped. This guide explains the signs to look out for in an older relative, practical ways to support them, and when to seek advice.
What is seasonal affective disorder?
SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. According to the NHS, symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight in the shorter days of autumn and winter, which can affect the body clock and the hormones that influence mood and sleep.
Why older people may be more affected
Several things can make the darker months harder in later life:
- Less time outdoors. Mobility problems, poor weather and fear of falling on wet or icy paths mean many older people spend most of the winter indoors.
- Fewer social contacts. Clubs and groups may pause, and dark evenings make getting out harder.
- Loss and change. The death of a partner or friends, or reduced independence, can weigh more heavily in winter.
- Health conditions. Pain, long-term illness and some medicines can affect mood and energy.
Signs of SAD to look out for
The NHS lists symptoms of SAD that include:
- low mood
- a lack of interest in things you usually enjoy
- feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
- feeling restless or irritable
- difficulty concentrating
- being more hungry and eating more than usual
- being more tired and sleeping more than usual
- thoughts of suicide or self-harm
In an older relative, you might notice them withdrawing from family, giving up hobbies, eating differently, staying in bed or in their chair for long periods, or seeming flat and uninterested when you speak.
Practical ways to help
Make the most of daylight
Encourage time outdoors in the late morning or around midday, when light is strongest. Even a short walk, a trip to the shops or sitting in the garden on a bright day helps. Oxford's parks, college gardens and riverside paths are lovely on crisp winter days. Indoors, open curtains fully and sit near a window.
Keep active
Gentle exercise, such as walking, chair exercises or gardening, can lift mood and improve sleep.
Stay connected
Regular contact with family and friends makes a real difference. Plan calls, visits and outings across the winter, and look into local clubs, lunch groups, faith communities or classes.
Keep routines steady
Regular mealtimes, bedtimes and daily activities provide structure on dark days.
Eat well
A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables supports energy and mood. The NHS advises that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter, when we get little from sunlight. Check with a pharmacist that it's suitable alongside other medicines.
Light therapy
Some people with SAD find that light therapy, sitting in front of a special bright light box for a period each day, helps. It's best to discuss this with the GP first, especially for anyone with eye conditions or taking certain medicines.
When to speak to the GP
Speak to your relative's GP if low mood lasts for more than a couple of weeks, affects their daily life, or if you notice changes such as not eating, poor self-care or withdrawing from everyone. Treatments for SAD can include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), light therapy and antidepressants.
If you are worried that someone is in crisis or may harm themselves, contact NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health support in England), or call 999 in an emergency.
How companionship and care help
For many older people, the most powerful antidote to winter low mood is simply having someone there. With live-in care, a dedicated carer offers daily companionship, encourages time outside and gentle activity, keeps routines steady and notices changes in mood early.
For those who need less support, visiting care can include companionship visits, outings and help staying connected with the community through the winter months.
FAQs about SAD in older people
What is seasonal affective disorder?
SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, usually becoming more noticeable in autumn and winter, when there is less daylight.
What are the symptoms of SAD in older people?
Symptoms include low mood, a lack of interest in things they usually enjoy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, eating more than usual and being more tired and sleeping more than usual.
How can I help an older parent with winter depression?
Encourage time in daylight, gentle activity, regular contact with others and steady routines, and speak to their GP if low mood lasts for more than a couple of weeks.
Should older people take vitamin D in winter?
The NHS advises that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter. Check with a pharmacist or GP that it's suitable alongside other medicines.
Talk to our Oxford team
If you're worried about a relative's mood or wellbeing this winter, our Oxford care team is here to talk through how companionship and care at home could help.