While the holidays are typically a time of great joy, they can also be a time of stress, especially for the elderly. The holidays can be a very emotional time of year, and along with all the happiness of the season can come some great sadness. Holiday stress for seniors can be particularly hard on them. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can bring thoughts of loss and even feelings of being left out or being in the way.
Here are some things you should consider that may cause extra holiday stress for seniors, and some tips on how to help you and them manage that stress.
1) A big holiday stress for the elderly is the feeling of loss and loneliness.
While the holidays are typically a time for families to gather, it is also a time where lost loved ones can be especially missed. Aging means you have lost more people along the way. Whether it is a spouse, child, parent, or friend, and whether it is recent or long ago, the senior in your life could be feeling extra lonely this holiday season.
Consider taking the time to chat with them about their missing loved ones. Sometimes sharing in the sorrow and grieving together can provide some comfort for your loved one. It may may even provide some contentment for yourself as well. Remember the good times and try to find the positive in their time of grief.
2) Be especially mindful of their diet.
The holidays can wreak havoc on anyone’s diet, but this can be especially dangerous for the elderly. A senior’s body just isn’t as forgiving as it once was. Overeating and eating the wrong foods can cause discomfort or even health issues. Certain foods might interact poorly with some medications, so be careful. When planning your holiday meals, be mindful of everyone’s needs. Make sure there is something that your older loved ones can enjoy comfortably. Let’s face it: eating is one of the highlights of the season. Make sure you can all enjoy some of the best food of the season!
3) Getting around just isn’t as easy as it used to be.
Seniors simply don’t get around like they used to. Whether it’s moving around inside the house or getting around town for holiday shopping, the difficulty of mobility is a common frustration for seniors, and it can be heightened at the holidays. Getting out of the house to do some holiday shopping or to visit a relative can become a stressful and downright exhausting experience. Winter conditions can add an extra obstacle outdoors, while new decorations, people, and rambunctious youngsters add difficulty to getting around inside.
Even things as simple as greeting a family member can cause physical stress. Keep this in mind and try to help them minimize the amount they need to move, or find a way to help them. Perhaps a motorized scooter, a walker, or a cane can help your loved one maneuver through holiday crowds. Offer to pick your loved one up to help them go shopping or take them to their grandchild’s holiday pageant. And why not assist them to get some of their holiday shopping done online to avoid some crowds altogether.
4) Could this be the last?
For most, the holidays are a happy time of year. One holiday stress for seniors though, may be a concern that this could be their last. Be sure to talk to them and see how they’re feeling this holiday season. Try your best to keep them positive by making these holidays extra special for them. Find out what their favorite pie is and bake it for them. Better yet, ask them to cook it with you, so it becomes a fond memory in addition to a yummy treat. Play their favorite holiday music for them. Include them in little ones’ holiday events like going to visit Santa or school holiday plays. If this is indeed one of their last holidays, why not make it a great one for them and you? And remember, thinking about this being their last holiday can be hard, so talking about it can make those feelings a little less intense.
How will you be spending the holidays with the older members of your family? Have you thought about how they’re feeling and what they might be wishing for this year? Be aware that holiday stress for seniors can be very different than normal stresses of the holidays. Hopefully, the above tips can help you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season.