- TODD METCALF
- Posted On
Holidays can present special challenges for seniors
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It’s that festive time of year when we like to share the joys of family life and friendship over the holidays.
But for some older adults, this time of year can be confusing, depressing or even stressful if their mental, physical and emotional needs are not taken into consideration.
If you have family and older friends experiencing health issues, you can help them enjoy the holiday season more by following some or all of these simple tips.
Some older adults can experience profound sadness that can be exacerbated by all the activities of the holidays.
Seasonal blues can have a particularly harsh impact in the lives of older people. Depression is a dangerous and life-threatening illness in older people.
Tragically, suicide rates increase with age, specifically for older men. Depression is not a normal part of aging and should never be ignored or written off.
The noise and confusion of a large family gathering can sometimes lead to exhaustion and irritability. Try to schedule time for a nap, if necessary, and maintain a room away from the activities where an older person can take a break.
If older family members are vulnerable to overstimulation or tire easily, limit the number of activities they are involved in or the length of time they are included.
Refrain from making comments that could potentially embarrass an older family member or friend who may be experiencing short-term memory problems.
For example, if an older person does not remember a recent conversation, don’t make it worse by saying something like, “Don’t you remember what we were just talking about?”
Involve everyone in the holiday meal preparation, breaking down tasks to include all family members. Older adults with physical limitations can still participate in certain activities such as folding napkins, peeling vegetables or arranging flowers.
Holidays tend to invoke memories, which can be especially powerful in the later years of life.
Experts in the field of aging have noted that memory and talking about one’s own life experiences are important parts of the aging process.
Older people whose memories are impaired may have difficulty remembering recent events, but they are often able to share stories and observations from the past.
These shared memories are important for younger folks as well – children like to hear about how it was “back in the good old days.”
Using family videos, music, photo albums and even theme songs from old radio or TV programs to help stimulate thoughts and memories help encourage older seniors share their experiences and stories.
If you have senior family members, be sure to assist them with their schedule of medications. Also, pay close attention to their alcohol consumption during family gatherings and holiday parties. Alcohol mixed with certain medications can provoke inappropriate behavior and interfere with medications.
Winter depression – also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder – is an illness that can be brought on by the reduced hours of sunlight during the shorter days of winter.
It is important for people confined indoors, especially those at risk of depression, to ensure time is made for activities that will increase exposure to daylight.
If a holiday gathering is hosted in the home of an older person with behavioral or memory impairment problems, do not attempt to rearrange the furniture. This could lead to anxiety and confusion.
If the event is in a place that might be unfamiliar to an older person, remove throw rugs and other items that could present barriers to someone with mobility issues.
Social connectedness is especially important at holiday time. Physical touch has a tremendous impact on the emotional and physical need to feel connected to others. Hug, hold hands or put your arm around the person.
Loneliness is a difficult emotion for anyone. Recent research on older people has shown that loneliness is associated with major depression and with suicidal thoughts and impulses.
So keep these tips in mind when enjoying the holidays with older friends and family members.
Todd Metcalf is the adult services program manager at Lake County Department of Social Services.