Vitamin D is one of those supplements that has received a lot of attention because of its effect upon mood. For those that suffer from depression, it is a good way to replace the sunlight that most people lose during the winter months. This is very important for the elderly since they are already at a disposition for being indoors, and when the natural boost given by sunlight coming in through windows, it is easy to find yourself with levels of the vitamin that are far too low to be healthy.
Yes, Vitamin D is naturally found in sunlight, and when we spend a lot of time outdoors during the nice weather months, our bodies and minds react positively to it by producing a natural antidepressant effect. When this doesn’t happen in the cold months of winter, many people find themselves cranky, irritable, or downright depressed and anxious. This is not pleasant for anyone, and when it’s an elderly loved one that we are talking about, it becomes that much more important that precautionary steps are taken to make sure that their health is kept as optimal as possible.
The problem is that Vitamin D is not good for you if you are taking too much of it. While too little Vitamin D in your system can cause ill effects like depression and a lack of energy, too much of this vitamin can be linked to an increased risk of coronary and cardiovascular disease related deaths. The results are not yet conclusive, but preliminary studies show that when there is too much D in the body, the chances of a stroke or a heart attack go up. In the elderly, this is especially deadly, and if the link is a concrete one, then too much Vitamin D should be avoided at all costs.
Finding a good balance is the key to health, and the only way to really do this well is to work with a doctor that specializes in senior health. They will be able to calculate how much Vitamin D is currently in the system, and what range the body should be at in order to be as healthy as possible. If necessary, they will advise you and your mom or dad on what strength supplement to take and how often, or, they might tell you that you need to refrain from taking an extra vitamin. This is a seemingly small thing, but it can go a long way toward improving quality of life. Mood and happiness might seem like a secondary concern, but it can make many other areas of life that much easier.
If you do have a loved one that is suffering from depression, or if they are somehow struggling, then in-home care could be appropriate. While most people associate in-home care with senior citizens that have difficulty getting through the day on their own, senior care like this is also helpful just by providing your loved one with companionship. This is just one of the added benefits that comes with an in-home caregiver.
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