Seniors and Post-Holiday Blues: Why it Happens and What to Do

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  January 20, 2022

Seniors and Post-Holiday Blues: Why it Happens and What to Do

Seniors and Post-Holiday Blues | As the end of the holidays approaches, many people feel relief knowing the hustle and bustle is nearly done. Yet the day after decorations are packed away and the leftovers are in the freezer, surprisingly that relief can be replaced with feelings of depression, especially for seniors. Older adults are more likely to have difficulty with both pre- and post-holiday blues if they are more isolated from family and friends. Seniors are also more likely to be suffering from ill health, which can exacerbate feelings of depression that may arise after the holidays. According to the American Geriatrics Society, seniors may also feel blue after the holidays if they are facing money issues, and spent beyond a budget.

For seniors, the holidays bring up feelings of loss and loneliness for a spouse or close friends who have passed. If it’s the first holiday season one faces without his or her spouse or a life-long friend, that pain is still fresh.

Related Article: Elderly Home Care and Depression – Symptoms and Helpful Tips

Post-Holiday Blues Prevention Tips:

1. Though it may be difficult to make plans to attend events and socialize if one is feeling blue, this is the time when reaching out matters most. Even a small online get together can contribute to a happier outlook on the New Year ahead. If one’s health prevents traveling, invite friends to a simple online gathering. It can make all the difference; as can connecting with grandkids while they have vacations from school.
2. Seniors can also benefit from taking time to talk about their feelings after the holidays, whether with others at a senior center or church, or with a geriatric counselor. Often times just talking about sadness helps one understand it better and feel more in control.
3. The holidays can be exhausting at any age, but for seniors, the holidays can over do it and take a much bigger toll than it once did. It is important to note that exhaustion sometimes feels like depression, so seniors should schedule more opportunities to nap or simply get a little extra rest.

Bonus Article: The Relationship Between Diet and Fatigue

Here are some ways seniors can help alleviate the post-holiday blues:

1. Plan a getaway in February or March, especially some place warm. It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive trip to keep one’s spirits up and looking forward.
2. Make a plan to learn something new. It can be anything from yoga exercises a person can do in a chair to learning about the computer.
3. Work with family members to create visible memories of the holiday season. Collecting favorite photos and cards, and telling stories about the photos is not only entertaining, but preserves the history of a family.
4. Consider taking decorations down slowly rather than all at once. Leave a wreath on the door, or garland along a bannister.
5. The American Geriatric Society Foundation for Health in Aging recommends volunteering as a way to ease the post-holiday blues. This organization suggests calling the United Way or one’s church to learn about others who need help. One need not make a long-term, formal commitment to have a positive impact.

When it’s more than post- holiday blues for the senior

Sometimes feelings of depression are more than just the post-holiday blues. Listed are some symptoms that may warrant treatment by a doctor. Those who are experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor or a clinical counselor right away.

1. Inability to sleep, or excessive sleeping
2. Significant loss or gain of weight
3. Difficulty thinking and concentrating, or indecisiveness
4. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
5. Severe fatigue or loss of energy

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Our goal is to provide uplifting in-home care that benefits seniors and their families. The individualized care plans we create for our clients consider physical goals as well as non-physical mental health needs. Our caregivers can provide companionship or transportation to community events, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens, provide companionship and help to families that want to stay connected through technology. We strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers Edmonton location today.

Bonus Article: What to Expect with Home Care?

References

Adcox, Susan. Grandparents and the Post-Holiday Blues: How to Get Yourself Together Instead of Falling Apart. (n.d.). Retrieved December 23, 2013, from http://www.grandparents.about.com/od/celebrations/a/PostHolidayBlues.htm

Eure, Marian A. Holiday Blues and Seniors: Feelings of sadness around the holidays often affect seniors. (2005, December 9). Retrieved December 23, 2013, from http://www.seniorhealth.about.com/od/mentalemotionalhealth/a/holiday_blues.html

Is it Depression or Just the Blues?. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/depression/is-it-depression-or-the-blues

Kerr, M. (2012, March 29). Holiday Depression. Retrieved December 15, 2013, from http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holidays?toptoctest=expand

Phillips, C. How to Beat Post Holiday Depression: 5 Tips to Head Off the Blues. (2006, December 22). Retrieved December 15, 2013, from http://www.voices.yahoo.com/how-beat-post-hliday-depression-5-tips-head-140726.html?cat

Star, L. (n.d.). Blow Off Post-Holiday Blues. Retrieved December 15, 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/blow-off-post-holiday-blues

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