The holiday season is often filled with joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many older adults, winter festivities can bring unexpected emotional challenges. Holiday sadness in elderly adults is more common than many people realize. For this reason, recognizing the causes and knowing when to seek help can make a meaningful difference. Continue reading to learn more about the reasons for holiday sadness in older adults, when to seek professional support, and how Seaside Senior Services can help.

Understanding Holiday Sadness in Elderly Adults

As we spend less time outside due to cooler weather, it common to experience a change in mood. Often called “winter blues”, this event generally lasts for a short period and is typically linked to anxiety and stress during the holiday season.

Holiday sadness in elderly adults makes them feel lonely and isolated. In these cases, your loved one make act differently, such as more withdrawn or stressed. Understanding why they feel this way can help us empathize with them and provide the support they need.

Here are seven reasons why older adults may feel sad during the holidays.

1. Changes in Family Dynamics

One of the most fundamental truths in life is that nothing lasts forever. This is also true of families and traditions. Kids starting their own families and perhaps moving away, may evoke feelings of sadness or loss, even when they are loved.

2. Health Challenges

Holiday spirits can be dampened by health challenges as your loved one grows older. As such, many seniors with medical conditions like injuries or arthritis may not have full mobility. In these cases, their ability to travel or fully participate in holiday celebrations is hindered.

For those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, may be on a strict diet, thereby unable to enjoy their favorite holiday dishes. Additionally, individuals with memory-related illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia, might feel overwhelmed or confused being around large groups of people.

3. Nostalgia

The holidays also include connecting and making memories with the ones that mean the most to us, making this an emotional time. Consequently, this can cause holiday sadness in elderly adults when remembering lost loved ones. And if they are in a nursing home facility, they may long for the comforts of their old home and reminisce about the traditions created there over the years.

4. Feelings of Being a Burden

Losing independence is one of the most common fears of aging. During the holidays, your loved one might feel guilty about requiring extra help or special accommodations. This is especially true if they have physical limitations or health challenges.

5. Mental and Physical Burnout

Participating in holiday festivities can be overwhelming and require a lot of energy. While this is true for all of us, it’s particularly the case for elderly adults. And disruptions to daily routines can affect mealtimes, exercise regimens, and sleep patterns, leading to stress or exhaustion.

6. Financial Stress

Living in an economy with high inflation on a fixed income is enough to make anyone feel stressed out. Add to that the rising cost of housing, utilities, gas, and food, and it can take a toll on an older adult’s mental health. As a result, when it’s time for the family to unwrap their gifts, your loved one may be upset that they could not afford an abundant holiday. Not only does this lead to feelings of inadequacy, but also sadness.

7. Loneliness and Social Isolation

Many older adults feel lonely during the holiday season. In fact, they may also experience feelings of social disconnect during this time because they are geographically separated from their family members or they live alone.

Recognizing and Seeking Professional Help for Seasonal Depression

If a loved one experiences mood changes that affect how they behave, feel, and think, especially when seasons change, this could be symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal depression or SAD, is a condition triggered by the changing of seasons, less sunlight, and shorter days.

Common symptoms of SAD may include:

• Weight gain
• Appetite changes, particularly craving carbohydrates
• Low energy or tiredness
• oversleeping

In general, symptoms of seasonal depression last about 4 to 5 months of the year. However, it could be a sign of a more serious condition in which you should see your health care provider. For example, if your loved one isn’t motivated to do activities that they usually enjoy. Or they seem down in the dumps for days at a time.

Also, if you or someone you know has thoughts of harming themselves, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S. only) at 988. And call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

How Seaside Senior Services Can Make the Season Brighter

Being present and not giving presents is the magic of the holiday season for most of us. A simple visit to someone can make all the difference in someone’s day. And making your senior loved ones a part of your family traditions can make their holiday season a little brighter.

If you are unable to spend as much time with your elderly loved one or you live far away, Seaside Senior Services in-home senior care is here to help. Holiday sadness in your elderly adult does not have to be their fate. Instead, Seaside Senior Services can be the extended family when family can’t be there for your senior or veteran.

Our companion care services include viewing photo albums, shopping, listening to music, attending social events, playing games, and more. We also provide personal care services, such as assistance with dressing, medication reminders, and bathing.

All of our care plans and services are customizable, so you received the right amount of care and can be adjusted as needs change. To learn more about our services, contact us to schedule your free in-home assessment.

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