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The holidays are a time of celebration and joy.
But for many seniors, facing holiday loneliness is a terrible thing.
As caregivers, it's important to understand the reasons behind their holiday loneliness.
Here are five reasons why holiday loneliness is a thing with seniors.
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness. But for some seniors, it can be a time of loneliness and frustration.
Many seniors find themselves limited by their physical conditions. It is common to be unable to take part in the holiday festivities as they once did.
This can be especially hard to accept, particularly if they played a huge role in celebrations of the past.
It can also be frustrating for seniors to have to rely on others for help.
Financial limitations can also be another cause of frustration for seniors.
Oftentimes, our elderly feel like they have nothing to contribute.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of having deep pockets.
And for seniors without jobs, having little to no source of income makes them feel like a burden.
They may not say it, but these factors can cause them to be difficult to deal with during the holiday season.
It's easy for seniors to feel isolated during the holidays.
This is more common for those living alone or in nursing homes with families who are far away.
Many seniors feel disconnected from the outside world during this time of year.
And it's more challenging for those who are living on their own for the first time.
7% of seniors aged 55 and older neither have a living spouse nor biological children. And 1% have no living kin.
The sad part is, these numbers continue to rise.
While being kinless is not the same as being lonely, it can be a factor that affects an elder’s mood during the holidays.
It can also increase health problems and challenges for seniors like difficulty in sleeping, high blood pressure, and other serious conditions.
Family traditions bind us together. For many of us, they are a source of comfort and connection to our loved ones.
But it can also be difficult to keep family traditions alive, especially with all the changes in the world around us.
For example, younger generations may have different priorities compared to their elders.
Some may not see the value in upholding the same family customs that their parents and grandparents did.
As a result, some traditions may slowly fade away.
It can be painful for seniors who see their cherished memories disappearing. But it is also an inevitable part of life.
Ultimately, family traditions provide us with a sense of continuity and belonging.
They eventually become core memories that we cherish for a lifetime.
The holidays can be a trigger for some seniors.
These times may remind them of people and relationships they've lost as they grown older.
The loss of a spouse, for example, can cause grief and depression during the holidays.
For many seniors, the holiday season is a time to reflect on their lives and what it means to them.
It can be a time to feel grateful for what they have or to focus on what they're missing.
Dementia and other conditions that affect seniors can make the holiday season a difficult time.
For seniors with dementia, the holidays can be a time of confusion and anxiety.
They may not remember loved ones who have passed away. Or they may become disoriented and confused about where they are.
As a result, holidays can be a trigger for dementia symptoms.
This can also be a challenging time for us as caregivers as well.
We can feel guilty about enjoying the holidays while our loved one is struggling, or we may find ourselves feeling angry and frustrated.
However, it is important to remember that the holiday season is still a time for celebration.
There are many ways to make the season special for seniors with dementia, such as decorating their room with holiday lights or playing familiar festive music.
We can help make the holiday season a joyous time for all by taking the time to appreciate the small things.
Learn more about dementia here.
As the holiday season comes upon us, it’s important to remember that not everyone experiences the same level of happiness and excitement.
For some, especially seniors, the holidays can be a difficult time.
There are several reasons why this may be the case – from physical or financial restrictions to mental conditions such as depression or anxiety.
As caregivers, it’s our job to be understanding of these conditions so we can help them celebrate in their own way.
Keep an eye out for our next post where we’ll give more tips on how to make the holidays special for seniors.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>