Creating A Senior-Friendly Holiday Season

The foliage has peaked and the leaves have begun hitting the ground. For many, this is a sign of the celebrations that will soon begin for the upcoming holiday season. Holidays are a time full of joy, parties, and family gatherings. However, in the midst of the fun, it’s important to remember those in our lives that may be experiencing some loneliness and possible holiday blues.

Growing older can bring some exciting milestones such as marriage, grandchildren, and retirement. However, the aging process also brings various inevitable changes that are hard to grasp. As we age, it’s likely that we’ll all experience the loss of a friend or loved one, aging parents/grandparents or anxiety about the future. For many seniors, the holidays intensify the feelings related to these circumstances. It’s important to recognize the signs of holiday blues and do what we can to help.

Major factors contributing to holiday blues in seniors include:

Reminders of past loss of loved ones–Many seniors have survived a number of their cherished friends and family members and these losses often take on greater significance during the holidays.

Financial Limitations–Concerns about money can also make it harder for older adults to enjoy the holidays the way they once did.

Unrealistic expectations–the holidays can bring a host of expectations, such as family togetherness, festive events and feelings of expanded happiness. Reality too often falls short of these expectations.

Spending the holidays alone–many seniors live by themselves and/or at a distance from friends and family and spend much, if not all, of the holidays alone. Grown children often become busy with their own social obligations.

Failing health—failing health imposes on the ability to participate in once-enjoyed holiday activities.

All of these are very real life issues that most seniors deal with at one point or another. However, with a little pre-planning, those stress factors can melt away for a more enjoyable holiday season. The following are a few ways to help the seniors in your life enjoy the next couple of months.

• Include your elderly family members in holiday preparations and activities to the extent they are willing or able to participate.
• Take them for a drive to see Christmas lights or go window-shopping. Encourage them to enjoy the free things in life!
• Try something new to celebrate in a new way and let others share responsibilities in holiday activities.
• Encourage them to get outside, even if it’s cold! Exposure to daylight can be the best dose of medicine.
• Be sure to help them adhere to their regular schedule of medications during the frenzy of the holidays. Also, pay attention to their alcohol consumption during holiday parties and family gatherings.
• Make certain seniors know that you appreciate them and that they are not alone.

If you or loved ones are unable to shake what you think are the holiday blues, you may be suffering from true depression. There’s a real difference between the holiday blues and depression. If conditions such as persistent sadness, excessive worry, changes in sleep patterns, suicidal thoughts, weight changes and lack of interest in things that were once enjoyable last for two weeks or longer, it could, in fact, be signs of depression. If left undiagnosed and untreated, depression can lead to serious health concerns.

If you or your loved one begins suffering with signs or symptoms of depression or you are concerned the holiday blues are something more, please contact the staff of SMH Generations Unit for a free mental health screening for individuals 18 years and up. Our staff has expertise in working with the geriatric population suffering with dementia and other mental health disorders. Referrals can be made to outside sources for out patient treatment. For more information about such services, call 501-776-6600.

By Neely Phillips, LCSW, Program Director, Saline Memorial Hospital Generations – Geriatric and Adult Psychiatry