Holiday Blues

Rose Traub • December 11, 2018

The holidays can trigger sadness, loneliness, and depression in many adults, especially seniors. It’s not generally the holiday itself; rather, it is often a variety of things surrounding the events between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day that contribute to the holiday blues. The holidays not only remind them of loved ones they lost but also of another chapter closing in their own lives.
Loneliness during the holidays is intensified for seniors who are alone with no family or friends who live nearby. The holidays can be stressful for most adults; it is more so for seniors who may not have the health, energy, or means to enjoy all the festivities.

Signs of Depression in Seniors

The good news is that holiday blues is temporary and usually subsides after the start of the New Year. However, if you see any persistent symptoms in an elderly parent, this could be a sign of depression. According to the National Institute on Aging, depression is a common problem among older adults. Symptoms of ongoing depression include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood;
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities;
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism;
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness;
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being slowed down;
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions;
• Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping;
• Loss of appetite or weight changes;
• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts;
• Restlessness or irritability;
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without an apparent physical cause and that does not go away even with treatment.

It is important to note that suicidal thoughts or actions should never be ignored and the following measures should be taken:

• Call your doctor.
• Call 911 for emergency services.
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to speak with a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.

How to Help Seniors Cope with the Holiday Blues

• Include elderly loved ones in your holiday plans. Offer to provide transportation to and from an event, but also respect their need to relax. Let seniors know what the holiday plans are and let them decide what they would like to attend.
• Go out. It’s critical for seniors to leave the house and enjoy some fresh air every day, if possible. Take a senior out for lunch, a cup of coffee, or simply a ride in the car. Getting out of the house is a   great mood lifter!
• Talk to them. It is crucial for the elderly to share their thoughts about what they are feeling around the holidays. Give them a chance to express their thoughts and feelings. They will feel better, and their spirits will be lifted.

Disclaimer
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Speak to your physician or mental health provider for medical advice.  Call the advocates at Assisted Living Made Simple for more information on senior resources in your area.

By Donna Nichols February 5, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
By Donna Nichols February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.
By Donna Nichols January 12, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.