KIRKSVILLE -- Long bouts of gloomy weather take their toll on all of us to some extent. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is in full swing this time of year, and it's especially noticeable in the elderly who live in long term care centers.

Staffers at Kirksville Manor Care Center said they do what they can to pick up residents' spirits.

"We increase activities. There's always something going on, and you keep an upbeat, positive attitude, always smiling, greet them that way. That's contagious. If you're happy, they will be, too," said Cheryl Bass, Social Service Director at Kirksville Manor Care.

Bass said Mother Nature can help cheer up residents.

"As spring comes and the weather breaks a little bit, they can get outside a little more, you start to see a positive change."