Coping with the Holiday Blues in Seniors
The holidays can be a tough time of year for seniors. Whether separated from family by distance or overwhelmed by the increase in visitors, older people can find the holidays emotionally difficult. Reminiscing about good times gone by or traditions that have faded away can lead to holiday depression in seniors and feelings of isolation.
Often referred to as the “holiday blues,” these feelings of sadness or anxiety during the holiday season are very different from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is related to changes in daylight hours, not the approach of the holidays and predictable shifts like increased family visits. Sadness during the holidays is common in older adults and, with time and attention, can be managed.
What are the Holiday Blues?
The holiday blues are often temporary and mild, however, if left unchecked, these short-term feelings can develop into clinical depression. If you notice a friend or loved one is not feeling very jolly, make a simple phone call, chat over coffee, or invite them for a walk. Don’t underestimate the power of your concern for someone struggling with holiday sadness in the elderly.
Signs of Holiday Blues
- Unshakeable sadness
- Too little or too much sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Lack of interest in socializing with others
There is nothing wrong with feeling sad. It’s important to be kind and understanding to someone experiencing these feelings of loss. The holiday blues are real – and you can be better prepared to help when you know why it happens and what you can do.
3 Reasons for Holiday Blues
1. The holidays become a marker of time.
Seniors feel loss more acutely during the holidays. Reminiscing about Christmases past involves parents, siblings, spouses, and friends who may no longer be here—a reminder that time is fleeting. For older adults, grief often collides with the joy of the season, creating holiday loneliness for seniors.
For those who have lost loved ones recently, it can be especially hard. This season brings up memories and traditions tied to the person lost, making their absence even more profound.
Ways to Honor Feelings of Grief
- Light a memorial candle
- Make a photo album of previous holidays
- Share fun memories aloud
- Visit a loved one’s resting place
Talking about someone who has passed does not make seniors more sad—it honors their memory and reinforces the impact they had while alive.
2. Change is hard, but new traditions can keep you connected.
Once the host and driver of tradition, an aging parent may now feel lost in a holiday filled with new people and priorities. Where they once organized family dinners and festive gatherings, they now may find travel or hosting exhausting.
Trying to replicate family traditions can be difficult because it won’t be exactly the same. Instead, discuss what’s most meaningful and adapt to fit current realities. Caregivers and family members can help seniors find joy in modified celebrations.
Adjust Expectations
- Let opting out be a choice
- Talk about which traditions to keep
- Encourage self-care and rest
The holidays illuminate the passage of time. While seniors may struggle with change, families can support them by offering flexibility, space, and meaningful new traditions.
3. Distance from family creates holiday isolation.
Modern families often live far apart, making it harder to gather. But creative solutions can still bring joy. Hosting a virtual holiday party can keep elderly parents connected.
Free Options for Virtual Get-Togethers
These platforms allow families to “go around the room,” share memories, sing carols, or reflect on gratitude—building invaluable togetherness even from afar.
Get By with a Little Help
For seniors living far away from family, extra assistance from a private caregiver can go far during the holidays. From companionship to helping set up virtual conference calls with family, a private duty caregiver is the perfect solution for helping to avoid the holiday blues. When family can’t be close, an extra set of eyes is invaluable when looking out for signs and symptoms of holiday depression.
As the holiday season approaches, be prepared to have positive family experiences by reaching out to the Resources We Love for support. Private Duty Home Care is an invaluable service for seniors and their families. Learn more about the support they offer in the Resources Section of our Blog.