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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Understanding Winter Blues and Holiday Sadness in Your Elderly Loved Ones and How to Recognize It

As the weather gets colder and we spend less time outside, it’s not uncommon to experience a change in mood. This phenomenon, often called the “winter blues,” typically lasts for a short period and is generally linked to stress and anxiety during the holiday season.

Reasons Why Older Adults May Feel Sad During the Holiday Season

Unfortunately for many older adults, the holidays can also feel isolating and lonely, which may have them acting differently, such as being quieter or more withdrawn. Understanding why they feel this way can help us empathize with them and provide the support they need.

Here are seven reasons why older adults may feel sad during the holidays.

1. SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS – According to an AARP Foundation survey, 31% of adults say they have felt lonely during the holiday season. Many older adults may especially experience feelings of loneliness and lack of social connection during the holiday season because they live alone or are geographically separated from their family members.

• NOSTALGIA AND REFLECTION – The holidays are an emotional time when we focus on connecting and making memories with the ones that mean the most to us. Remembering lost loved ones and “the good old days” can cause seniors to feel sad. Additionally, if they are in a nursing home facility, they may long for the comforts of their old home during the holidays and reminisce about the traditions created there over the years.

• FINANCIAL STRESS – Living on a fixed income, especially in an economy with high inflation and rising food, gas, utility, and housing costs,can take its toll on mental health. Your loved one may be upset that they cannot afford an abundant holiday like they used to, which may cause them to feel inadequate when it comes time for the family to unwrap their gifts.

• HEALTH CHALLENGES – Growing older can present health challenges that might dampen holiday spirit. Many people with medical conditions like arthritis or injuries may not have full mobility, hindering their ability to fully participate in the holiday celebration.

For those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, they may be on a strict diet and may not be able to eat their favorite holiday dishes like they used to. Additionally, those living with memory-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, might feel confused or overwhelmed being around large groups of people.

• FEAR OF BEING A BURDEN – One of the most common fears of aging is losing independence. During the holidays, your loved one might feel guilty about requiring special accommodations or extra help, especially if they have health challenges or physical limitations.

• CHANGES IN FAMILY DYNAMICS – A fundamental truth of life is that nothing lasts forever. As time passes, family traditions change. Kids grow up and perhaps start their own families, or family members may move away, all of which may evoke feelings of loss and sadness.
  
  
• PHYSICAL AND MENTAL BURNOUT – The energy required to participate in holiday festivities can be overwhelming for all of us, but this is particularly true for older adults. Disruptions to daily routines can impact sleep patterns, mealtimes, and exercise routines, leading to stress and just plain exhaustion.

Seasonal Depression and When to Seek Professional Help

If a loved one experiences mood changes that impact how they feel, think, and behave, especially when the seasons change, this may be a symptom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD, or seasonal depression, is a condition triggered by the changing of seasons, shorter days, and less sunlight.

Symptoms of SAD may include:

• Oversleeping
• Tiredness or low energy
• Appetite changes, particularly craving carbohydrates
• Weight gain

Most of the time, symptoms of seasonal depression last about 4-5 months out of the year. However, if you notice that your loved one seems “down in the dumps” for days at a time or isn’t motivated to do activities that they usually enjoy, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, and you should see your health care provider.

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of harming themselves, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S. only) at 988. And if you are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

How Home Helpers^® Home Care Can Make the Season Brighter

For many seniors, the magic of Christmas has nothing to do with presents but with presence. A simple visit can make all the difference in their day.

Making your loved ones a part of your family traditions – new and old – can make their holiday season a little brighter. If they are having difficulty participating in the celebrations, then bring the celebrations to them. Video calls, while not a replacement for in-person contact, can help you stay connected to your loved ones if they live far away or can’t attend a family gathering.

However, if you live far from your aging loved one or are unable to spend as much time with them as you want to, Home Helpers^® Home Care is here to help. For over 25 years, we have been the extended family when family can’t be there for seniors, veterans, new moms and families, and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery.

Our companion care services include playing cards and games, doing puzzles, playing or listening to music, shopping, viewing photo albums, and attending social events. We also provide personal care services, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication reminders.

All of our services and care plans are customizable, so you receive just the right amount of care and can be adjusted as needs change.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES, CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT OR FIND AN AGENCY NEAR YOU.