Seasonal Stress Can Leave Older People Feeling Down During Holidays By Mary Jean Porter for The Pueblo Chieftain
It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . .
And it can be a sad and stressful time for older people. Maybe they have lost or are separated from loved ones, or they aren’t feeling as well as they once did, or they can’t seem to summon the energy to tackle a mountain of holiday tasks. All of these reactions are understandable, according to two local social workers.
David Spencer of Parkview Family Counseling Center says some of the stressors of the season aren’t unique to older people. Not sleeping, irritability and overeating can plague anybody.
The increased activity and excitement that come with the holidays may make seniors feel good, he says, or may trigger memories of bad times or prompt feelings of “I can’t.”
Spencer says at this time of year, older people often regret that they can’t do what they once did — whether for financial reasons, declining health or because they live in a care center and can’t participate in outside activities.
“That adds up to depression for seniors,” he says.
