Christmas – a time of comfort and joy…
Christmas is also a time of hope and promise. Christmas and all its lights, bells and festivities throughout the season can be the most wonderful time of the year for many around the world.
However, many struggle during this season as the holidays can sometimes be painful reminders of years gone by. These times can be especially difficult for aging adults if they are dealing with grief, live alone, have mobility issues or are unable to see their families.
While aging can bring wisdom and experience, there are inevitable losses that even the healthiest seniors face. Loved ones and friends fall ill and pass away. Energy and mobility levels often decrease, resulting in feelings of lost independence and opportunities. Neighborhoods change over time, leaving even those well enough to remain in their own homes feeling lonely and disconnected from their communities.
Why Seniors Experience Holiday Loneliness
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), socially isolated older adults are at higher risk for depression. The focus on family, friends and togetherness during this time of year can actually bring melancholy feelings to the forefront for many elders. It’s more important than ever to be supportive of and attentive to our loved ones, but in ways that keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
If you believe that an aging parent, friend or neighbor may be feeling lonely or depressed, there are steps you can take to help lift their spirits. You are probably busy with adapting your own holiday plans and traditions, but we must remind ourselves what the holiday season is truly about. Simplifying some things will allow you to focus on what really matters: the important people in your life. Use these ideas to brighten up a loved one’s winter season.
If you’re looking to give back this holiday season, helping your aging seniors is a great place to start!
Here are some ways you can help aging seniors this holiday season:
1. Check in. Checking in with your loved one regularly. For those struggling with loneliness this time of year or missing loved ones, sometimes the thing they need the most is just companionship. While a phone call, text or email can make their day, visiting them, even for a short while, can do wonders during the holidays. You might also consider surprising them with a little gift such as tea, coffee or baked goods.
2. Assist in the shopping. Christmas shopping can be overwhelming especially if you don’t drive or are not savvy with online shopping. Those with declining energy and mobility issues need help but don’t want to ask. Offer to shop for them or stop by to help them shop online!
3. Help them decorate. Help them add festive touches to their home. Having decorations around can make the home feel cozy and cheerful. As we age, decorating can take more time, energy, and work so see what ways you can help. Offer to help set up their Christmas tree or add some lights to their windows. Unpacking their ornaments or Christmas Village pieces can spark stories and meaningful conversations. It doesn’t need to be much, but a little decorating won’t take you much time but will be so meaningful for them.
4. Assist in making a favorite meal or recipe. Spending time helping them make a favorite family dish or dessert to bring to a holiday gathering. Many may feel useless or burdensome if they cannot contribute to the festivities like they used to. Ask them if they have a family recipe they want to make or offer one of yours. You can also buy cookie kits and enjoy conversation as you sit at the table and decorate Christmas cookies.
5: Light up their life! Take a drive to see one of the many light displays around the valley. Bring your favorite holiday music to enjoy, or tune in to local radio station for non-stop Christmas tunes.
6. Fill their mailbox. Our aging seniors love going to the mailbox and opening mail. Ask friends, church groups and family members to send cards, photographs or drawings to help keep their seasonal mail more upbeat. Send a handwritten message sharing a personal message, update, story or favorite memory. You can also help them write cards or letters to send out to their family and friends.
7. Include them in church or community activities. No one likes to be alone for the holidays and being alone can contribute to feelings of loneliness. Invite them to church, or other community events such as children’s Christmas plays or concerts. Seniors love to be around children so include them in activities whenever possible. Also, don’t forget that many would even love to help bake cookies or wrap presents.
Remember, it’s less about what you do and more about just being there!
Loneliness and depression
Christmas is a time for friends and family, but many older people spend more time reflecting on people they’ve lost at this time of year.
Loneliness affects one in five older people. In amongst all the excitement and energy of Christmas, it’s important to stay connected with older friends or relatives who are finding it difficult to stay engaged.
You can ensure your loved one knows they’re still a respected and an important member of the family unit. Help them attend family get-togethers, and involve them in trips to carol concerts or pantomimes.
Seasonal affective disorder
Another factor is seasonal affective disorder (SAD); a condition that causes depression and affects around 20% of adults in one form or another.
Encourage your loved one to get enough natural sunlight, and consider asking them to speak to their doctor about dietary supplements, such as vitamin D and omega-3.
Mobility
Ice, slick surfaces and wet leaves all increase the risk of a fall in winter. During Christmas, many lights and decorations are set up in areas that might have been once clear of these things. Older people might also be more susceptible to feeling the cold, so make sure they are prepared for the winter weather, and maybe spend less time outside to reduce the risk of falling. Help them overcome these challenges by making sure access to their property is safe to walk on.
Anxiety
If your loved one lives on their own, or with one other person for most of the year, it can be difficult to adjust to a room full of people. All the noise and movement, combined with an altered routine has the potential to make your loved one feel anxious.
Dedicate some quieter time to sit and speak to your loved one individually, or set aside a quiet spot in the house that they can retire to if they need a break. Older people are faced with additional challenges throughout the winter months. But, you can help your loved one overcome these difficulties and give them a Christmas to remember by taking small steps to make sure they get the support they need.
For further information about our professional care and companionship services and how we can assist your loved one during the Christmas season, contact Modern Day Home Health Care at 778-539-5300 or visit our website: www.moderndayhomehealthcare.com
How to Avoid Holiday Depression
There is no reason to wait until depression happens to act on it, because there are approaches that can help prevent and minimize the symptoms. Generally, what can help is not being too hard on yourself for the difficulty you or your loved one may be experiencing.
Try to:
· Keep a regular schedule and build in breaks. Adequate physical and mental rest is crucial, especially during the hectic holiday season. Consider hiring respite care workers or asking a family member to pitch in with your loved one’s care so you can disconnect and recharge.
· Do not feel guilty for picking and choosing which holiday plans you and your loved one can commit to.
· Make sure you and your loved one get regular exercise. Unfortunately, it’s typical for people to stop doing the healthy things they usually do because of holiday activities and the inclement weather. Make exercise and other forms of self-care a top priority, even if it’s only twenty minutes each day.
· Avoid overeating at every meal. Save indulging for special meals, like the big family dinner or the pot luck at work. Balancing indulgence with light, healthy meals will help you and your loved one feel less lethargic and prevent digestive issues. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly.
Remember that the real meaning of the holidays is to be thankful for what you had, what you have now and what the future may bring. Be honest and recognize that this time of year may not feel the same as it once did. Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling and encourage your loved one to do the same. Support groups are an excellent resource for family caregivers and seniors alike. Consider making a doctor’s appointment if you or your loved one are really struggling with the holiday blues this year. Modern Day Home Health Care is here to help support seniors at home this holiday season too, give us a call to learn how we could help.
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt 3:17
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