Older adults can reduce their risk of experiencing the holiday blues with these tips.
Ah, the holidays: they can either be the most wonderful time of the year, or the most challenging. For some seniors who have lost relatives, are battling chronic health issues, or are going through isolation and loneliness, the holidays can lead to depression. And, the family caregivers who care for a loved one are also susceptible to holiday blues, due to an overabundance of stress.
It’s possible, however, to bring back the holiday season to an occasion full of joy. Generations at Home provides the following suggestions:
Seek medical assistance. First of all, it’s crucial to communicate any suspected indications of depression (changes in sleeping and eating habits, absence of desire for previously enjoyed hobbies and socializing, sluggishness and persistent despair) to your elderly loved one’s (or your) primary care doctor. There are successful treatment options readily available, and also it’s essential to eliminate various other health issues.
Make wholesome choices. With many high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt food products to choose from through the holiday season, it is relatively easy to let a healthy diet slip and overindulge. However eating unhealthy, as well as drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, can contribute to feelings of depression. It is also essential to have lots of sleep; eight hours is best for most adults.
Create new traditions. In many cases for seniors, holiday traditions have had to change over the years. Starting a new normal is not usually easy, but can lead to renewed interest in holiday celebrations. Try participating in an evening of caroling, a shopping and lunch outing at a brand new venue, going to the neighborhood high school’s holiday play or performance, etc.
Reminisce. Rather than steering clear of emotionally charged discussions about lost relatives or past holidays, invite the senior to discuss memories, and take sufficient time to pay attention and engage in the conversation. Looking through pictures or watching home movies will help the senior process the loss and begin to move ahead toward acceptance and comfort.
Help others. Almost nothing enhances our spirits quite like knowing we’ve helped somebody else. Search for opportunities for your senior loved one to volunteer in some capacity to assist people in need: baking cookies for a local homeless shelter, buying small toys and gifts to give to the children’s hospital, putting together care packages for the people in the military services, etc.
For even more tips to motivate your elderly loved one to remain active and engaged during the holidays and all year long, reach out to Generations at Home’s home care experts. Our fully trained caregivers are skilled in assisting older adults to live life to the fullest, and we’re here for you with as much or as little assistance as required. Call us at 727-940-3414 to learn more.
