Holiday decor may be red and green, but for many people – especially seniors amidst this continuing pandemic – what should be a joyous season may instead trigger the holiday blues.
Typically, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are a dizzying and often stressful whirl of buying gifts, decorating the house, preparing feasts, attending social gatherings, and hosting family, friends, and perhaps a mischievous toddler or misbehaving dog.
The pandemic has created stressful new holiday challenges. Instead of a chaotic but fun assortment of things to do, people to see, and places to go, there may be an absence of celebrations.
Lockdown loneliness is one of the unfortunate ironies of this time. Although loneliness puts seniors at greater risk for serious medical conditions, including dementia, older people are vulnerable to COVID-19 and thus have been urged to socially distance. For many, this has not only meant staying six feet apart in public, but actually staying home and away from non-household family members and others.
According to www.nationalacademies.org, even in normal times, “Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.” Loneliness has been associated with a 59% increased risk of decline in physical and mental health, and a 45% increased risk of death.
The pandemic has exacerbated these issues, causing seniors to be less active and socially engaged. As Senior Real Estate Specialists who work closely with older people and their families, we have some suggestions to help combat the winter blues.
Reach Out to Help Seniors
· If you have not seen your older neighbor puttering around the yard, put on your mask and knock on their door to see if they need anything – and just to say hi.
· If that’s too close for comfort (yours or theirs), give them a phone call.
· If you do not live nearby, send your elder friend or relative a letter. This “old school” way of communicating is guaranteed to put a smile on their face when they open their mail.
· Using technology such as Zoom or FaceTime can also help close the social distancing gap.
· If you know an older person who previously lived independently with success but now is showing signs of withdrawal, confusion and dishevelment, encourage them to visit their medical provider for a check-up, perhaps offering to accompany them.
Don’t Forget to Help Yourself
Seasonal depression is more common than you may think. The holidays can trigger the blues in people who are experiencing loss and other forms of grief. People going through challenges may find it tough to see others who seem to be brimming with joy. Fortunately, there are tools to combat holiday depression.
· Do not overeat (particularly sugary foods, which can wreak havoc on mood swings) or drink to excess.
· Get plenty of exercise and sleep; regular exercising will help you enjoy a better night’s sleep.
· Volunteer, in person or from afar. Serving others makes them and you feel good.
Start New Traditions
During this pandemic when longstanding holiday rituals have disintegrated, be open to fresh possibilities. Instead of mourning lost traditions, create new ones such as baking Christmas cookies for your neighbors or installing a welcoming wreath on your front door.
Perk up a solitary senior’s day with food and company. Order take-out from their favorite eatery, drop it off at their house, or better yet, share a meal and conversation with them outside.
Humans are by nature social beings. Enjoying socialization, even and especially during the pandemic, can help us live longer, healthier lives.
