The holidays are usually a happy season full of celebrations and time spent with loved ones, but there can be a complicated relationship between seniors and the holidays for a number of reasons. The holidays bring many stressors that can particularly affect older adults, such as reminders of those who may not be with them anymore, which may lead to depression. These can even lead to depression around the holidays for seniors. In this article, we’ll provide some holiday stress management tips for seniors and those caring for them.
Tips to Help Seniors with Holiday Stress and Depression
- Communicate and Plan Ahead – The first steps to help manage holiday stress for seniors are to communicate and plan ahead. Think about everything your holiday celebrations will involve and make sure that they will include everyone who attends. Sometimes seniors feel left out because they aren’t included in certain activities, so ensure there is plenty of communication beforehand so everyone comes in with the right expectations.
Communicating before planning will also allow you to request or include specific activities in your celebration. Seniors can also plan ahead and make sure they have everything they need in order to enjoy themselves and the time they are spending with loved ones.
- Be Open to Change – Even after communicating and planning ahead, being open to change is crucial to help with stress for seniors around the holidays. When people gather together, things don’t always go according to plan, so come in with the mindset that doing something different is okay, especially if everyone is still having fun.
There are often many meaningful traditions and rituals that families and friends have, and those can be hard to let go of. It’s important to try to include the most important ones in your celebration, but being open to alternate options could lead to fun, bonding, and even new traditions. This also involves changing your plan if not everyone feels included.
- Get Active – One of the best ways to deal with stress is to get active. Physical activity has many benefits for our bodies, but it can significantly help to boost our energy and mood. That’s why it’s vital to get—or stay—active around the holidays. Help seniors to get active by planning outings where they can get some exercise, like walking around a holiday market, doing family yoga, taking workout classes together, and more.
- Celebrate Everything – The holidays are a time for celebration but are often difficult for seniors because they remind them of loved ones they’ve lost. That’s why it’s important to celebrate those individuals and not try to avoid those emotions. Be honest and open with your family or friends so everyone feels comfortable sharing, grieving, and celebrating together. Understand that your loved ones are there to support you and help you honor the people you miss.
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