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by: Susan May
When seniors begin to lose their appetite, display sadness, fatigue or inactivity, they may be suffering from the holiday blues. Memories of more active and happier times, their declining health, recent losses of friends or a spouse, or a variety of dietary and medical problems can all play a role in holiday depression.
Here are ways to help seniors beat the holiday blues:
Enjoying Friends & Family
Winter reminds seniors of holidays past...and holidays means one thing to them - family get-togethers! It's important for friends and family to spend time with seniors during the winter months when they tend to be less active. Involve seniors in holiday planning. Hold impromptu group gatherings so seniors (and their friends) can share pictures and stories. Taking time to get seniors socializing this winter is crucial for lifting their spirits!
Keeping Busy...and Making a Difference
The holidays are a perfect opportunity for seniors to dive into a calendar full of social activities. From get-togethers with friends or family to new hobbies and pastimes, staying occupied is the key to keeping depression at bay. Some senior living communities allow local seniors to visit and join in the holiday activities (such as happy hours, choir, games and cooking lessons), which allows seniors to find and make new friends.
For some seniors, learning how to decorate desserts just won't cut it....they want to get out and volunteer to help the less fortunate. Volunteering is a great way for seniors to connect with others in their local community. Soup kitchens and other charities - especially through a local church - allow seniors to lend a hand and make a difference during this time of year, boosting their self-confidence and helping eliminate depressing thoughts.
Getting in a Workout
Exercise helps ward off depression, so get the heart pumping! How effective is exercise? One Duke University study found that "exercising three times a week could be more effective than medication in relieving the symptoms of major depression in elderly people and may also decrease the chances that the depression will return over time."
That's right, the holiday blues can be kept at bay with endorphins! Encourage seniors to take that brisk winter power walk, a slower stroll with friends, or even get some exercise with the grandkid's Wii games! Even on rainy days, exercise needs to stay on the agenda. Seniors can check local senior centers, the YMCA and churches for exercise programs.
Whether it's exercise, family and friends or volunteering, the key to reducing holiday depression in our seniors is to make sure they're keeping occupied with engaging, fun activities.
Susan May is the Director of Community Relations at Sacred Heart Senior Living in the Lehigh Valley. She is responsible for marketing, public relations, assisting with referrals, admission criteria and the care needs of each individual. Sue provides emergency response training to staff and coordinates in-house educational seminars for residents and the public. She also educates audiences on long-term care housing options. Sue’s background includes Emergency Care, Home Health Care, Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation and has been certified as a Personal Care Home Administrator. She is passionate about her role in Personal Care and serves on local Health Care Initiatives and with groups affiliated with Sacred Heart Visiting Nurses, Lehigh Valley Hospital and the Aging in Place Coalition. She is involved with the Chamber of Commerce, the Parish Nurse Coalition and is a Life Member of HCFAS. http://sacredheartseniorliving.com
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