Tag Archive for: depression

Helpful Ways for Seniors to Combat Loneliness During the Holidays

December 11, 2024

The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy and togetherness. However, for many seniors, this time of year can bring feelings of loneliness and isolation. Whether due to distance from family, the loss of loved ones, or changes in health, the holidays can be a tough time. But there are ways to help handle these feelings and make the season special. Here, we’ll share easy tips that seniors can use to feel more connected and supported during the holidays.

Why Seniors Experience Loneliness During the Holidays

Loneliness around the holidays is common among seniors for several reasons. Many older adults live alone, which makes it harder to join in traditional celebrations. Some may find that physical or health challenges, such as mobility issues, keep them from attending holiday events. Others may feel sadness reflecting on loved ones who have passed away or moved far away. Without a strong sense of connection, the holidays can become more of a reminder of what’s missing than a time for celebration.

By understanding these challenges, seniors, caregivers, and families can work together to find solutions that bring joy back into the season.

Building Connections Through Community

One of the best ways for seniors to combat loneliness is by staying active in their communities. Participating in local events can provide social interaction and a sense of purpose. Here are some ideas to consider:

Attend Community Events

Many towns and cities hold free or low-cost holiday events, like concerts, tree-lighting ceremonies, or craft fairs. Seniors can check their local community center, library, or church for upcoming activities. Not only do these events create opportunities to meet others, but they also provide a festive atmosphere that can lift spirits.

Volunteer Time

Helping others is a powerful way to feel connected. Volunteering at soup kitchens, food drives, or holiday events can give seniors a sense of belonging and accomplishment. It’s also a great way to meet people who share similar values.

Join Clubs or Groups

Many community centers offer clubs or activities tailored to seniors. Groups focused on hobbies like knitting, gardening, or reading can provide a low-pressure way to build friendships and enjoy shared interests.

Staying Connected Virtually

For some seniors, traveling or attending in-person events isn’t possible. Still, technology offers wonderful alternatives to stay connected during the holidays. Virtual gatherings and communication tools can bridge the distance between loved ones.

Schedule Video Calls

Platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime allow families to connect face-to-face, even from afar. Seniors can schedule virtual dinners, game nights, or simply chat with loved ones as if they were in the same room.

Join Online Groups

Seniors can find online communities based on their interests or hobbies. Whether it’s a book club or a health-focused group, these virtual spaces can provide a feeling of belonging. Many organizations, including senior care programs, offer virtual sessions like yoga classes or workshops to keep people engaged.

Send Digital Greetings

If video chats feel overwhelming, sending e-cards, emails, or messages can still show loved ones they’re in your thoughts. A simple effort can go a long way in strengthening connections.

Rediscover Holiday Traditions

Sometimes, all it takes to brighten the holidays is rekindling old traditions—or even creating new ones! By focusing on meaningful activities, seniors can replace feelings of loneliness with joy.

Decorate Your Space

Even if a big celebration isn’t in the plans, seniors can decorate their homes to bring some holiday cheer indoors. Stringing lights, hanging wreaths, or putting up a small tree can make a house feel warm and festive.

Cook Seasonal Favorites

Cooking or baking favorite holiday dishes, even if only for yourself, can spark positive memories. For an extra dose of connection, seniors can invite friends or neighbors to join them for a meal.

Watch Holiday Movies

There’s a reason holiday movies are so loved—they never fail to warm the heart! Seniors can host a movie night or settle in with a cup of hot cocoa to enjoy classic holiday movies or festive comedies.

Lean on Support Systems

Sometimes, it takes a community effort to help seniors thrive during the holidays. Family members, friends, and caregivers can all play a role in making sure no one feels left out.

Ask for Help

It’s important for seniors to remember that it’s okay to reach out for help. Loved ones may not always know when someone is feeling down. Simply letting others know how you’re feeling can open the door to support.

Caregiver Assistance

For seniors receiving senior care or healthcare services, caregivers can be a valuable resource. Many caregivers are trained to provide emotional support, encourage social activities, and help seniors maintain a healthy holiday routine.

Consider Counseling

If feelings of loneliness become overwhelming, speaking to a counselor or therapist might help. Many professionals specialize in working with seniors to address issues like depression or grief during the holiday season.

Take Care of Yourself

Physical and mental health are closely linked, so staying well can often improve emotional well-being. Seniors should focus on small steps to maintain health during the busy holiday season.

Stay Active

Light exercise, like walking or stretching, can boost energy and improve mood. There are even gentle holiday-themed fitness classes for seniors, such as chair yoga or dancing to holiday music.

Eat Well

While it’s tempting to indulge in holiday treats, it’s important to balance them with nutritious meals. Eating fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options can help maintain energy levels.

Rest and Recharge

The holidays can be tiring for everyone, especially seniors. Getting enough sleep and taking time to relax is essential for both physical and emotional health.

Wrap-Up

Loneliness during the holidays is a common challenge for many seniors, but it doesn’t have to define the season. By staying connected, rediscovering traditions, and leaning on support systems, seniors can create a joyful and meaningful holiday experience. Whether through community involvement, virtual gatherings, or simply reaching out to loved ones, there are countless ways to find connection and warmth this holiday season.

If you’re a senior or a caregiver, remember that even small steps can make a big difference. The holidays are about togetherness—and with the right strategies, that sense of belonging is within reach.

It’s your life. Live it your way.

WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact

Tips for Seniors Dealing with Depression During the Holidays

December 21, 2023

The holidays can bring both joy and loneliness for seniors. WelbeHealth offers tips to help cope with feelings of sadness, loss, and health issues during this special time.

Managing Sadness and Grief Over the Holidays

December 21, 2022

Although it is not uncommon for people of all ages to experience some degree of sadness over the holidays, be it from having been isolated during the pandemic or having experienced the loss of a loved one, older adulthood is a time of greatest risk and could result in substantial increases in death by suicide. For this very reason, it is encouraged to start a conversation with a friend, family, therapist, or another medical professional about how your mood is going and if you might be experiencing some degree of depression. This is not to say that most seniors are depressed, but we do recognize that the experience of declining health or mobility, plus the shrinking of one’s natural support system due to loss, can raise the sense of loneliness and despair.

Warning Signs

In their toolkit for suicide prevention among seniors, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration identifies the following warning signs of suicide:

Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself.
Looking for a way to kill oneself.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
Sleeping too little or too much.
Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.

If you experience any one or more of these behaviors, please reach out to your doctor or mental health professional they can listen to your thoughts and feelings around these matters.

From conducting one of the longest-running support groups at WelbeHealth in Stockton, Forever Friends, I can attest that not only do other seniors share your concerns, but they are ready to help out whenever possible

– Randall Ramírez, LCSW, LMFT | Behavioral Health Specialist

Strategies for Coping

As an alternative way of approaching the holidays, seniors can:

Be Proactive

Becoming more proactive in planning ahead on how they want to celebrate the season and how they can build special celebrations or memorials around those loved ones who have passed on or who are distant from them.

Sharing Memories

This may include raising a toast at the holiday dinner table to the lost family member or friend and asking others to offer one cherished memory. Or it may involve setting a place for them at the table and reminiscing.

Making a Donation

It could also be as simple as setting up a spot to collect donations to the loved one’s favorite charity. All these approaches not only honor the person we lost, but they create a space for acknowledging our collective sadness and feelings.

Socializing

We hold onto the belief that seniors retain talents, strengths, and skills into their later years that can be shared with others. Because seniors are living longer, we also support the idea of embracing quality of life and progressing with your dreams into the Golden Years. Joining a group that hosts activities, whether at a Senior Center or local club, aim at creating strong connections and bonds with fellow seniors.

Depression in Seniors: What Caregivers Should Know

December 15, 2021

Feeling down is a normal part of life. We all have days we feel sad. But, if your loved ones’ sadness is continuous, they could be suffering from depression.

Depression is not a normal part of aging. Watch for any signs of depression. If your aging loved one shows symptoms, you can help them get the treatment they need to enjoy life again.

What Causes Depression in Seniors?

About 1% to 5% of older adults are depressed. If your loved one requires home care, they’re at an increased risk for depression. For seniors who need home health care or hospitalization, the number rises to 13.5%.

Several factors can lead to depression in seniors. These include:

Death of loved ones. Losing a spouse, child, dear friend, or beloved pet can lead to depression. Grieving a loss is normal, but becoming depressed is not. It is important to recognize the difference between grief and depression.

Health challenges. A chronic medical condition can cause depression in seniors. For example, experiencing constant physical pain or disability can lead to depression, or worsen previously diagnosed depression.

Medication side effects. Multiple medications can sometimes interact with each other and cause depression. Medication is can be processed differently in the elderly because our bodies become less efficient at metabolizing drugs as we age. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you think a medication may be causing depression in your loved one.

Loss of independence and purpose. People find joy and meaning in their work, volunteer activities, and social circles. Your loved one may be deprived of these joys due to a medical condition or a loss of community.

Symptoms of Depression in Seniors

Identifying depression in seniors begins with knowing the common signs and symptoms. These can include:

Disregarding personal care and hygiene
Frequent thoughts of death and suicide
Increased aches and pains
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Disinterest in hobbies and socialization
Feeling hopeless
Reduced motivation and energy
Insomnia
Constant sadness and despair
Difficulty focusing

Rona Lomeda is a Complex Case Nurse for the seniors in WelbeHealth’s PACE services. During her 30 years of experience in behavioral health and senior care, she’s become familiar with the red flags of depression in seniors.

“If a senior lives alone and is constantly feeling sad or hopeless, those are some early signs of depression,” she said.

Types of Depression Experienced by Older Adults

Several types of depression may affect seniors. These forms of depression are slightly different, but all are treatable with the help of a medical and mental health professional.

Major Depressive Disorder: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Your loved one may experience a depressed mood every day for 14 days or longer. MDD may be a single episode, or it may reoccur.

Persistent Depressive Disorder: Also called dysthymia, this is a long-term depressed mood. It may last for at least two years. The severity of the depression may lessen at times, but your loved one will exhibit a chronically depressed mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: During the fall and winter months, there is less daylight, and we don’t get out as much due to the cold. As a result, seniors may experience depression during this season.

Treatment for a Senior with Depression

Getting treatment for a senior with depression can help them get back to enjoying life and prevent the worsening of symptoms. Untreated depression has is linked to chronic heart failure in the elderly, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide.

“Depression can become worse if it is left untreated,” said Lomeda. “Getting seniors the support they need can make all the difference.”

Speaking with your loved one and their doctor about your concerns can be an initial step to getting treatment. From there, the physician can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment.

Typical treatment for a senior with depression can include speaking with a licensed mental health professional. This can help your loved one work through challenging thoughts and emotions. The professional can also give your loved one tools to manage their depression. In addition, a physician or psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressant medication. These medicines work by balancing hormones in the brain that affect mood.

Resources: https://porch.com/advice/senior-safe-home