CENTERS' PIECE: The Holidays and the Elderly

For most, the holidays are full of activities with family and friends. But what are the holidays when viewed from an elder parent’s eye? For some elderly, the holidays are not a time of celebration and joy, but only serve as reminders of how he or she may be. They are reminded of the friends that have passed on, the lack of family get-togethers and an inability to participate in such events.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a winter holiday, Mother’s Day, or the Fourth of July; many seniors look at holidays as major hurdles to overcome. Elderly depression, loneliness, lack of social interaction, and an inability to get around severely limit many senior’s ability to enjoy these occasions.

Friends and family members should be on the alert for signs of holiday depression among seniors. Depression is more apparent in seniors who have limited options for travel, or whose family members are scattered over great distances. Some of the most common symptoms of elderly depression during the holidays may include:

• Change in sleeping habits.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Apathy or sluggishness.
• Change of appetite.
• Loss of interest in activities.
• Loss of interest in socializing.

What can families do to help seniors enjoy and participate during the holidays? Find creative and enjoyable holiday activities to share with the senior citizens in your life. Some things you can do include:

• Take a drive around town to view the holiday lights and displays.
• Decorate together whether it is at home or an assisted living center. Get out the tree and decorate or help make cards to friends and family.
• Holiday parties for seniors. Some good holiday party ideas include: having a tree-lighting ceremony, having carolers, or a Santa Claus that goes from room to room to greet residents, or having contests such as guessing the number of ornaments on the Christmas tree.
• Share the cooking preparation. Have your senior family member help with the cooking of a special treat. If there are favorite family recipes or a special treat that she use to prepare help her make it again. (This was one of my all-time favorite things to do with my grandmother and mother. Every Christmas we made holiday candy, walnut-raisin pies, and meat pies together).
• If cooking isn’t possible, try putting a few favorite family recipes together in a folder and decorate with holiday stickers or a family photograph that has special meaning.
• Stroll down memory lane. Holidays provoke memories, which can be especially powerful in the later years of life. It has been suggested that using picture albums, family videos and music can help stimulate memories and encourage older seniors to share their stories and experiences.

Our elderly family members and friends are an asset that we don’t utilize like we should. When I talk to my older teenage clients and they start talking about boredom, I am quick to suggest that they go to a nursing home or an assisted living facility and spend some time with the residents. After all, they have lived through several important events in history and their stories are ‘priceless.’ So take a moment and consider spending some time with our senior family members.