We want to help seniors through the holidays. Most of us are looking forward to the holiday season ahead – the get-togethers, delicious food, decorations, and all the whimsy that comes with a widely celebrated holiday. However, any holiday time can be difficult for people, including the senior citizens in our lives.
While many of us are thinking about menu planning and guest lists, seniors may be feeling overwhelmed with stressful thoughts and anxious about the weeks ahead. If you haven’t thought about the overwhelming impacts the holiday get-togethers could have on yourself or your loved ones, take a minute to think about the ways the holidays specifically impact seniors.
The Loss of a Loved One:
Many seniors have experienced the loss of their partner and may feel exceptionally lonesome around the holidays. To help seniors through the holidays, make every attempt to include the seniors in your life in all the holiday activities you have planned. Let them know you are a phone call away if they want to talk, too.
Post-Holiday Blues:
Throughout the year, seniors often are alone and may experience depressed thoughts. They may look forward to the holidays because of the social opportunities and extra time with family and friends. However, this extra social time can make the “let down” after the holidays even harder as they are thrust back into their regular schedule and feelings of loneliness. Don’t forget about your older loved ones after the holidays, especially those first few weeks. Make sure you put time on your calendar in the months following to visit or make frequent calls.
Irregular Meals and Diets Eating (and Overeating):
Rich foods seem to be a part of our cultural experience during the holidays. These rich meals and eating at unusual meal times can be difficult on a senior’s digestive track. If you are a senior or a caregiver to one, be sure to be mindful of your meals. If you indulge once, pace out your other meals or freeze-rich meals to eat later instead of having leftovers the next day. To help sessions through the holidays include a regular supplement of CBD to promote homeostasis.
Normal Stress and Anxiety:
We’ve all admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the holidays. The schedule and financial strain can be difficult to navigate for anyone. A senior is more than likely experiencing more stress and anxiety than they let on. As much as they may look forward to spending time around family, the crowds and loudness of gatherings can be overwhelming. They may have difficulty getting around as it is, before you add in a group of adults in a living room or the boisterous play of small children. For those with hearing loss, carrying on a conversation around the dinner table can be frustrating and stressful. Make sure you don’t leave grandma or grandpa in the armchair being ignored this year. Make a point to stop and speak with them and include them on activities and conversations. CBD can help seniors through the holidays and caregivers need it too.
When it comes to dealing with depressed feelings, loneliness, anxious thoughts or upset stomachs, there are a lot of steps we can take to improving overall quality of life. It is important to remember that there is not just one component to managing these physical and emotional stressors. A combination of lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and our Signature CB Balance can make a huge difference in how you enjoy the holidays this year.