Nov 29, 2023 | News
The festive season is a wonderful time of year, filled with love, excitement and Christmas cheer. But for many people, including older people, the season can be challenging, and leave them more susceptible to feelings of grief and depression.
Maintaining social connections is crucial for good mental health, especially for seniors, but the power of Christmas to bring people together can also accentuate someone’s sense of loss and loneliness. This time of year, can bring back vivid and often painful memories of past Christmases’ and lost loved ones. Older people living alone may also experience acute loneliness at this particularly social time of year.
With the festive season revolving around tradition and sparking memories, it can bring into sharp focus the changes that have occurred in someone’s life, health and capabilities. Whether it’s realising that you can no longer cook your signature Christmas dinner, or that you’ll have to skip the traditional Boxing Day family walk, this time of year can be overwhelming for older people, or those who have seen a swift decline in health.
This means that maintaining good mental health is especially important for senior people around Christmas.
How to maintain good mental health at Christmas
Social connection and interaction is crucial to keeping your mental health in good shape as Christmas rolls around. Speak to a friend, family member or trusted carer about how you’re feeling, and remember that it is normal to experience heightened feelings of loss or sadness at this time of year.
Plan ahead where possible, making sure that companionship care for you is in place if necessary. Take the time to reminisce and enjoy memories of past Christmasses, by looking at old photos or listening to music that takes you back. Those memories may be bittersweet, but acknowledging them and speaking about them can bring relief.
Think about how you can create new traditions, whether it’s choosing food to eat on Christmas Day or watching a film that brings joy. And remember that you are not alone; why not create new social connections by reaching out to other seniors who might be feeling a similar way?
How to help a loved one through the festive season
If an older friend or family member is suffering from a decline in mental health over the Christmas period, there are ways you can help. Offering companionship for an elderly loved one can make a world of difference, or if it isn’t possible to be together in person, find other ways to connect remotely and let them know you are thinking of them.
Offer a senior loved one an opportunity to talk about they’re feeling, providing a safe space to reminisce or grieve. But don’t make assumptions about their emotions. Instead, ask how they are and let them know you are there if they want to talk.
Take some time to assist a loved one with more practical things too, that can make a huge difference to their mood at Christmas. Give them a hand with putting up decorations, and make sure their fridge is stocked with delicious festive food. Most of all though, try to give them the gift of companionship. It’s what Christmas is all about.
For help arranging companionship or care for yourself or a loved one this Christmas, contact OxleyCare today.