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Duane Ralph watches the world through a window at Potomac Towers. Cold weather has kept him and other indoors much of the winter. For some seniors, being cooped up can bring on feelings of isolation. (By Kevin G. Gilbert/Staff photographer) |
With month after month of snow, ice and frigid temperatures, the 75-year-old woman is having trouble staying positive.
But it wasn't always that way.
There was a time when Murphy enjoyed brisk weather, sledding with her children and family ski trips.
But age, failing eyesight and arthritis have changed her lifestyle.
Instead of taking to the outdoors, she takes to her house.
"With health problems, I feel safer staying put," Murphy said.
The result?
"I have a serious case of cabin fever," the Hagerstown resident said.
Boredom, restlessness, irritability — whatever the symptoms, researchers say cabin fever is real.
Sometimes referred to as seasonal affected disorder (SAD), it strikes young and old. But it can be especially difficult on the elderly, who often don't drive or have the opportunities for regular social contact.
According to research by the Mayo Clinic, the top fears of seniors are loneliness, followed by a fear of falling and getting injured.
These fears are heightened during the winter, the study said, when bad weather raises concerns of injury, as well as less interaction with family and friends.
Depending on the individual's personality, the Mayo Clinic said, prolonged periods of being indoors with little outside contact could result in depression or anxiety.
Research by the University of Pittsburgh noted that winter moodiness often is associated with not enough environmental stimulation, long nights and bleak landscapes.
Some seasonally related symptoms can be debilitating — both mentally and physically, the study said.
Dara Bergel Bourassa, assistant professor and director of gerontology at the Department of Social Work and Gerontology at Shippensburg University, agrees.
"I believe that anytime people are restricted from being able to do their day-to-day activities, it can impact one psychologically — especially if the older adult has a history of isolation," she said.
But how a person reacts to isolation depends on the individual, Bourassa said.
