{"id":226807,"date":"2019-12-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-20T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sdnews.com\/guest-editorial-for-older-adults-the-holiday-blues-are-real\/"},"modified":"2019-12-20T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-12-20T08:00:00","slug":"guest-editorial-for-older-adults-the-holiday-blues-are-real","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/guest-editorial-for-older-adults-the-holiday-blues-are-real\/","title":{"rendered":"Editorial invitada: para los adultos mayores, la tristeza navide\u00f1a es real"},"content":{"rendered":"

Por SIMONA VALANCIUTA<\/p>\n

The \u201choliday blues\u201d are a too-common experience for more than 8 million older American adults suffering from social isolation \u2014 and they can lead to some very real health problems. Studies have shown that prolonged isolation is as detrimental to a person\u2019s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and increases the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even death. According to Pew Research Center, Americans age 60 and older who live on their own spend more than 10 hours daily alone. Thankfully, there are many ways older adults can combat isolation, overcome the holiday blues, and improve their health in the process.<\/p>\n

Why do some people experience the holiday blues?<\/p>\n

\u201cSurvivor\u2019s guilt\u201d over the passing of a friend or loved one in the previous year (especially if it\u2019s the first holiday after their death), a decrease in energy or mobility that limits activity, living far away from family and friends, the financial pressure of gift-giving, and social media-induced envy or FOMO (fear of missing out) can easily contribute to feelings of loneliness or isolation.<\/p>\n

What can be done to beat the holiday blues?<\/p>\n

Even if you feel down, you are still in charge of your life. If you\u2019re experiencing the holiday blues:<\/p>\n

Be around people and friends, even if you don\u2019t feel like it. Perhaps skip the festive holiday bash, but still make plans with small groups of friends.<\/p>\n

Find new ways to keep busy. Book a tour and see your city like a tourist. Go to a theater show or a sporting event.<\/p>\n

Learn something new. Sign up for a class in a skill you\u2019ve always wanted to learn.<\/p>\n

Keep moving. When you exercise, you release mood-boosting endorphins. Plan a workout with a friend or join a group exercise class.<\/p>\n

Avoid social media. These are \u201chighlight\u201d reels of peoples\u2019 lives, not reality.<\/p>\n

Volunteer. <\/strong>Give back to your community; you will feel more connected, and have a sense of purpose.<\/p>\n

Create new traditions, especially if you\u2019ve lost a loved one. It\u2019s OK to be sad, but don\u2019t feel guilty. Try new things to enrich your life in a way your loved one would have wanted for you.<\/p>\n

What can be done to help an older adult who might be suffering?<\/p>\n

If you have a parent or older relative who might be feeling the holiday blues, here are some tips for how to support them:<\/p>\n