The author cites several reasons for seniors blues at the holiday
season, the most prominent being the death of a spouse within the last
year. Quoting Dr. Florica Ochotorena, medical director of the
Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Rome Memorial Hospital, the article
states that going through that first Christmas or Hanukkah without a
loved one is the most difficult for seniors. Dealing with a
spouse who’s critically ill or in a nursing home is also upsetting to
seniors as well.
Seniors also feel abandoned by grown children or grandchildren who
choose to spend the holidays away from home or with in-laws, notes the
article, and many often think that no one cares about them any
longer. They may also lack the finances to purchase gifts for
family and friends, making them feel inadequate.
Others are concerned about the upcoming bad weather, including ice and
snow, which makes it difficult for them to get around or causes them to
worry about the threat of injury, adds the article’s author.
Additional medical problems also make seniors more prone to depression,
note experts on senior issues, and depression can eventually lead to
suicide. As a matter of fact, the suicide rate among seniors is
higher than that of any other age group.
The best way to avoid depression, states the article, is to plan ahead
and be sure that the seniors in the family are as physically active as
possible, are involved in holiday activities, and have a place to go
for the holidays so they will not be left alone.
Home
Reader Comments 
Related Links 
Recent Posts