Outwit the Holiday Blues

Try these creative solutions for a happy, healthy season

Helping With the Holiday Cards

It’s a fun way for different generations to spend time together, as Donna McKiernan, 75, of Trexlertown and her grandson, Mike Kennet, 18, of Macungie, are doing here.

Learn the Signs of Depression
If you visit older loved ones regularly, you may not notice subtle mood changes. But be on the lookout during the holidays for these signs of clinical depression:

• Fatigue, loss of energy
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Feelings of sadness and/or irritability
• Inability to concentrate, remember things and make decisions
• Changes in sleep patterns, weight or appetite
• Restlessness or decreased activity
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Tune into the post-holiday blues, too—sad feelings may intensify after the holidays. Visiting loved ones have gone home, leaving the elderly person alone again. Unfulfilled holiday expectations also may leave older adults feeling especially sad.

Want to Know More about how depression is treated in the elderly? Call 610-402-CARE.

How to help an elderly loved one

• Holidays may remind an aging friend or relative of a loved one’s death. Encourage him or her to share sad feelings. Take time to listen.
• Acknowledge loved ones who have died by remembering happy times and celebrating their lives during the holidays.
• Don’t expect an elderly person to cook, shop and travel the way he or she used to. Expect that you’ll need to take on more, and plan accordingly.
• In holiday planning, take into account your older loved one’s special needs and disabilities.
• Put yourself in their shoes. How will you want to be treated at age 80?

How to help yourself as an older adult

• Be realistic. Don’t expect everything to be perfect.
• Set a reasonable spending budget and stick to it.
• Delegate responsibility. Ask your adult children or younger friends to make meals, travel to see you and/or provide transportation.
• Eat balanced meals, get plenty of sleep, and be as physically active as you can—before, during and after the holidays.
• Take advantage of free holiday offerings such as concerts, home tours and neighborhood lights.
• Give loved ones the gift of your time. Offer to babysit, make a scrapbook, do holiday baking or help with decorations.
• Reach out to your community. Donate time to a local charity such as a church, food bank or homeless shelter.
• Associate with positive people.
• Never turn down an invitation to get out and socialize.

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