When blue is your aging loved one’s Christmas color

For most of us, the holidays are a time for friends, family, parties, joy and reflection on past, present and future. However, sometimes for older individuals, the holidays can be a difficult time. During this time many older adults acutely feel the loss of loved ones, the passing of time, or sadness at the distance between themselves and family living far away.  Often the holiday traditions of the past are no longer observed for many reasons.  This can make the holiday season feel somewhat devoid of meaning. 

It is normal for people, aging or not, to sometimes feel subdued and sad in the face of change.  People can usually carry on with regular activities and and these feelings are generally temporary.  However, friends or family members may notice “the blues” in a senior that lasts longer than normal.  This may be more than simple sadness.  It may be a serious case of depression.

According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation (GMHF), some major factors contributing to  holiday depression for seniors are financial limitations, loss of independence, being alone or separated from loved ones, loss of mobility (inability to get to religious services), and failing eyesight (inability to read or write holiday correspondence).  

Recognizing depression in older persons is not always easy. They often have difficulty expressing how they feel.  Additionally, the current aging generation came of age in a time when depression was not recognized as a biological illness, and was often stigmatized.  Today’s seniors don’t want to be labeled difficult or bothersome. 

When clinically depressed, an older individual may lose the will to live, have no interest in regular activities, have diminished self-esteem, have dimished appetite, suffer sleep disruptions, or a number of other symptoms. Untreated depression can lead to aggravated illness, loss of independence, or premature death.   

Treatment is key for depression in aging individual.  If you notice a senior in your life who fits this description perhaps you can help.  There are a variety of treatments available, both through medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).  Part of your role is to help them understand that depression is treatable and that treatment can lead to a better life. Please talk with your loved one’s physician to explore these options.  

In addition, the GMHF suggests these things that you can do:

• Acknowledge the feelings and listen to the senior
• Mention the difficulty of holidays and ask if there is something they would like to do that you can help facilitate (go to church, take a drive to see festive lights, etc.)
• Find out if there are activities with which the person might become involved.  Many assisted living and nursing home facilities offer special activities such as wrapping parties, cookie baking, concerts, etc.

Depression is not an inevitable part of growing older. Openly communicate your concerns to your loved one.  Offer to contact a clergy member or physician.  Most of all, let them know they are important to you at this time of year, as always.

Note:  If you need help finding mental health assistance for your friend or loved one, The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry has a network of members--experts in the treatment of late-life mental illness--across the country who are affiliated with universities, hospitals, nursing homes or related facilities. If you would like a referral to one of these doctors, contact AAGP's Foundation at (301) 654-7850.

Kristin Huff

Senior Projects Director

In addition to being the Center's Senior Projects Director, Kristin Huff will teach courses for the Center's new Project Management Certificate for Human Services Professionals.