The wintertime (and the holidays) can be a joyous time, but it can also bring up some painful emotions, including grief over the loss of loved ones and loneliness due to distance from family. The wintertime brings shorter days and often isolation — making seasonal depression common amongst seniors. If you’re feeling the winter blues this year, there are a few steps you can take to boost your mood and make the most of the season. Senior mental health is important to think about all year long, but it’s especially important to pay extra attention to signs of depression during the winter months.
Stay Social
It can be difficult to get through the wintertime and holiday season if you live faraway from your loved ones or have suffered a loss in the past year. However, isolating during the cold winter months can make feelings of loneliness and grief even worse. If you cannot spend time with family in person, use technology to stay connected through video calls. As a resident of an assisted living community, you can also find a wealth of holiday gatherings and activities to keep you busy and surrounded by friendly faces.
Volunteer or Donate to Your Favorite Charity
In the wintertime, there are many holidays — which represent the season of giving. During this time, take the opportunity to volunteer with a local non-profit agency if you’re able to. Otherwise, consider a charitable donation to a cause you care about. Giving back to your community can make you feel good about yourself and appreciate what you have during this time.
Don’t Skip the Self-Care
With all the different holidays that take place during the wintertime, it’s easy to get wrapped up in different events and giving gifts to others. So, it is important to remember to care for yourself as well. Treat yourself to some self-care in the form of hot baths, yoga, or time with a good book.
Join in the Winter Festivities at Twin Town Villa!
The sense of community we foster here at Twin Town Villa helps our residents feel right at home in warm, comforting surroundings. During the winter months, we host plenty of festive events and welcome our residents’ families to participate in the fun! Join our Memory Care and Assisted Living communities and take part in the winter festivities happening now. Learn more about life at The Villa by scheduling a tour at (218) 643-9542.