Coping With Emotional Challenges of Winter
I promised we’d bring this up again since winter can be such a challenging time for people of all ages, but especially for older adults. And not just getting around in the snow part, but the social isolation that often occurs. I often hear people say they have less energy and interest in things in the winter, and lots of times this comes on so gradually that you forget that’s not normally how you are, or how the older adult in your life usually is.
Here’s a few really simple things that can make a HUGE difference in someone’s outlook:
- Watch an old comedy together on TV
- Call them on the phone
- Go out for lunch …. or bring in a surprise picnic lunch
- Work on a project together: organize family photos together, clean out a closet, a cupboard,etc.
- Encourage volunteering. i.e. Just recently I heard about a group of seniors who knit hats for kids!
Depression and lack of energy caused by winter blues can lower the immune system, exposing us to colds or flu’s – especially dangerous for older adults. So, put some fun activity on your calendar and theirs!
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