The hype surrounding the December holidays looms larger every year. Similar to Halloween, Christmas marketing, media, trappings and trimmings are emerging earlier and earlier. Consider this:
Seniors are Especially Vulnerable
But the not-so-merry fact is, the holidays are difficult for many people, we as older adults especially. Here are some of the reasons we may experience a blue Christmas:
- Loss of loved ones. About 14 million Americans over the age of 65 live alone. This is often due to the death of a spouse or partner and can greatly contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Lack of mobility. Many of us have lost the ability to drive or get around easily, creating a sense of isolation and lack of community.
- Compromised health. With advanced age comes a greater chance of illness or poor health, which can prevent us from socializing and getting out as much as we once did.
- Bittersweet memories. Memories of happier holidays can make us sad or depressed as we recall people and celebrations from the past that are no longer present.
- Seasonal depression. Because seniors are often more isolated than other populations, we are more at risk for seasonal affective disorder, a mental health condition triggered by the shorter, darker days of winter.
- Financial struggles. Some of us are on a fixed income and don’t have the disposable income we once did to purchase gifts and other holiday items. This can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration or inadequacy.
- National divisiveness. Rarely has there been a time of such conflict among our fellow Americans, even close family and friends. Such dissent can be discouraging on an existential level, particularly as election season falls so close to the holidays.
Brightening a Blue Christmas
Chances are, most of us know someone whose holidays we could brighten a lot with just a little effort. The following suggestions are just some of the ways we can bring cheer to the special people in our lives, ourselves included.
Indeed, supporting one another during the holiday season can be the best gift of all – for everyone!
- Pay a visit. Nothing is as appreciated as an in-person visit to bring a healthy dose of holiday cheer. Spend at least a few hours with nothing on the agenda but enjoying the mutual benefits of good company. If you wish, come equipped with food for a meal, games, craft supplies or other things to do. The point is to be together live in the flesh with the gift of time and availability.
- Get connected online. Like it or not, the pandemic taught most of us how to spend time together online. For those who are too far to visit in person, video visits are still very much in vogue. Take advantage of this Covid silver lining that will shine through even the dreariest days.
- Write a letter. Nearly archaic in today’s world is a handwritten letter sent via “snail mail.” Refamiliarize yourself with this form of communication that was once far more common. Don’t just update recipients on the weather or your comings and goings; be sure to tell them specifically why you appreciate them in your life and what is special and unique about them. Maybe you’ll get a similar letter in return!
- Bake holiday treats together. Few things summon the holidays like the smell of homemade cookies or a pie in the oven. Gather the ingredients for a yummy treat and bake it together for a treasured time everyone will savor. Check out these easy, tasty goodies everyone will love!
- Make a holiday craft together. While Americans spend a good chunk of change on store-bought decorations, the most special and memorable are the ones we make ourselves and hand down year after year. Here are some fun holiday crafts that can be made in as little as an hour or so.
- Bring the children around. Children’s excitement for the holidays is contagious. Both the young and the young-at-heart will get into the holiday spirit with all the grandkids around!
- Sing carols by the fire. Arrange an old-fashioned yuletide sing-along with a real fireplace, campfire or balsam-scented candles. Choose well-known carols everyone is likely to know by heart.
- Record your life stories. For a truly special gift, engage in a reciprocal legacy project whereby you and friends/family interview one another with prepared questions. Ask and share about your life experiences, joys, sorrows, what you’ve learned, what you’d tell your younger selves, what advice you’d give to others. Audio/video record your answers or write them down and transcribe them into printed books, ideally with photos throughout your lives.
- Visit a senior center. Even strangers can benefit from our desire to connect with others. There are plenty of organizations with a host of needs, especially during the holidays. Chances are, your community has a senior center, or visit VolunteerMatch for opportunities near you.
The Role Senior Living Plays
Of the myriad benefits quality senior communities like Collington offer older adults, perhaps the greatest is regular connection with others. Here, you need never be lonely with new friends to make and enriching activities, outings and causes in which to engage all year ‘round. Experience truly purposeful living and, should your needs change, expert care from compassionate professionals who treat you like the family you are.
Bring an End to Loneliness with New Beginnings at Collington.
Contact Us and Schedule a Tour Today!