Do you notice that your elderly loved one is experiencing the holiday blues? This could be more than just normal sadness. They may be feeling down because of the holidays and this could even cause your loved one to have extreme depression. While the holidays are supposed to be joyous, some elderly adults get stuck in a slump. The good news is that there are tips you and your loved one’s elder care providers can use to help them with overcoming the holiday blues.
No Isolating Oneself
If you notice that your elderly loved one has started to isolate themselves, this is a sign that they are stuck in that holiday blues slump. It is important that you have people around them often. This could be you, other family members, or the elder care providers. These people should bring a positive influence to your loved one. They should be actively engaged with your elderly loved one, as well. If you can keep your loved one from isolating themselves, they might be able to overcome the holiday blues much quicker.
Healthy Lifestyle
Another tip for helping your elderly loved one to overcome the holiday blues is to get them to live a healthy lifestyle. The more they eat right, stay hydrated, and exercise, the better they are going to feel. Many people who suffer from the holiday blues stop eating nutritiously, stop exercising, and stop interacting with others. If you can join your loved one in a healthy lifestyle, then you might be able to help them overcome the holiday blues.
Getting More Sun
While the winter can be dreary on most days, there are days when the sun is out and bright. These are the days that you should get your elderly loved one out and about. Get them out and go on a walk with them. Take them to the local park. You should make sure they are bundled up appropriately. However, the sun can help them to feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Volunteering
Another way you can help your elderly loved one to overcome the holiday blues is by getting them to volunteer. There is something special and motivating about helping others out in some way. Research shows that people who volunteer their time to someone or something that needs it, feel better emotionally and mentally. This might be something you can get your elderly loved one into.
These are some of the tips for helping your elderly loved one to overcome the holiday blues. If your loved one is experiencing the holiday blues, start implementing these tips right away.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Fitchburg, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
Sources
https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/beat-holiday-blues
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2094
