Age, seasonality and health

Seasonal effects on mood and other components of functional status have been demonstrated in large segments of the general population but have received little attention in primary care patients. In the present study on adult members of a communal settlement (kibbutz) in Israel, seasonality and functional status were measured in both the winter and summer seasons in the same patients. Patients under age 65 had better overall health ratings than those 65 and over in both winter and summer. Overall health ratings were better in summer for those under 65 but were unchanged in the older group. Summer and winter seasonality scores were more constant in the younger group than in the older patients. We conclude that both age and seasonality need to be considered when measuring functional status in primary care patients.