Supporting a Loved One Through the Winter Blues

How small moments of light, connection, and routine can make winter feel easier

Canadian winters can be long, dark, and isolating, especially for older adults. Shorter days, colder weather, and fewer reasons to leave the house can quietly affect mood, energy, and motivation. For many, this shows up as the “winter blues,” a seasonal dip in how they feel and function day to day.

The good news is that winter blues are common and often manageable. With a bit of awareness and some thoughtful support, families can help older loved ones feel more connected, supported, and emotionally steady through the colder months.

Understanding the Winter Blues

Winter blues are different from clinical depression, but they can still have a real impact on daily life. You might notice a loved one:

• Sleeping more than usual
• Lacking motivation or interest in hobbies
• Withdrawing socially
• Feeling more irritable, flat, or low
• Eating differently or craving comfort foods

For older adults already managing health concerns, mobility limitations, or loneliness, these seasonal shifts can feel heavier. If low mood, hopelessness, or significant changes in sleep or appetite last more than a couple of weeks, it is important to encourage a conversation with a health care provider.

Let There Be Light, Wherever Possible

One of the biggest contributors to winter blues is reduced daylight. Less light can disrupt sleep cycles and affect mood, which is why even small changes can help.

Simple ways to brighten the day include:

• Opening curtains fully each morning
• Sitting near windows during daylight hours
• Keeping rooms well lit, especially earlier in the day
• Taking short walks outside when it is safe and bright

For loved ones who spend a lot of time indoors, creating a comfortable “bright corner,” such as a favourite chair near a window for reading, phone calls, or hobbies, can lift the day without feeling like a big effort.

Staying Connected When It Is Cold Out

Winter weather can make regular social routines harder to maintain. Icy sidewalks, early sunsets, and cancelled plans can quickly lead to isolation, sometimes without anyone realizing it is happening.

Families can help by building in predictable moments of connection, such as:

• Scheduled phone or video calls
• Short, regular visits when possible
• Help arranging rides to safe outings or appointments
• Encouraging virtual groups, classes, or faith services

Even brief, consistent contact can make a meaningful difference. Having something to look forward to, whether it is a weekly call or a standing visit, can help winter days feel less long.

Gentle Routines That Support Mood and Energy

When motivation is low, routine becomes even more important. Structure helps anchor the day and provides a sense of normalcy when everything outside feels grey.

A simple winter routine might include:

• Getting up and getting dressed at a consistent time
• Eating regular meals and staying hydrated
• Light movement, indoors or outdoors
• Time set aside for hobbies or enjoyable activities
• Planned social connection

When energy dips, it can help to break tasks into smaller steps or pair them with something pleasant. Listening to music during bathing, watching a favourite show while folding laundry, or chatting on the phone while preparing a meal can make everyday tasks feel more manageable.

When Extra Support Can Help

Sometimes winter blues are not about motivation, but about energy. Cold weather and shorter days can make daily tasks feel harder, which can quietly affect mood and confidence.

Extra support with routines like meal preparation, companionship, personal care, or moving safely around the home can help older adults conserve energy for the things that matter most. For families, having additional support in place during winter can bring peace of mind, especially when visits are less frequent.

A Season That Calls for a Little More Care

Winter blues do not mean something is wrong. They are a natural response to a challenging season, and one that many older adults experience quietly.

By paying attention, staying connected, and helping create simple, supportive routines, families can make winter feel less isolating and more manageable. Often, the smallest acts of care, a phone call, a shared cup of tea, or a bit of extra help, can bring the most comfort during the darkest months of the year.

If you would like to talk through ways to support a loved one’s emotional well-being this winter, or explore options that can help keep routines and connection in place, our Lifestyle Advisors are always here for a conversation.