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.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.