Lawrence Force, Mount Saint Mary College Psychology professor and director of the Mount’s Center on Aging and Disability Policy.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but for many aging individuals, the holidays can bring sorrow instead of celebration.
According to Lawrence Force, a professor of Psychology at Mount Saint Mary College, balancing the festive expectations of December with the realities of aging requires a compassionate approach.
“Holidays are a time of tradition, family, and reflection, and there’s a lot of value and strength in that,” explained Force, a gerontologist and co-director of the college’s Center on Aging and DIS-Ability Policy.
However, he notes that looking back can be a double-edged sword. Reminiscing about Christmases past “can have a positive outcome, but it can also churn up some negative feelings,” he added.
The Empty Chair at the Table
The “holiday blues” often stem from the shifting dynamics of life.
Force points out that as we age, the likelihood of losing a spouse, siblings, or close friends increases. The holidays serve as an annual marker of time, often highlighting these losses or other family changes like divorce or distance.
Health concerns also play a significant role in seasonal isolation. For immunocompromised seniors, the winter months, often the peak season for respiratory illnesses, can force them to stay away from large gatherings, turning what should be a time of connection into solitude.
The Science of SAD
Beyond the emotional weight of the season, Force noted that there’s often a biological culprit at play: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD creates symptoms of depression in individuals who otherwise have normal mental health, triggered specifically by the time of year. The primary suspect is a lack of sunlight, which stimulates the body's production of serotonin, the chemical contributor to feelings of well-being.
Fortunately, there are practical ways to fight back against the winter gloom. Force recommends:
- Light Therapy: Using a “therapy lamp” that emulates natural sunlight can help boost serotonin levels.
- Movement: Taking daytime walks to soak up available light and get the blood flowing.
- Basics: Increasing hydration and getting regular exercise.
Force has worked in the field of aging and disabilities for decades as an administrator, clinician, and educator. He has authored and collaborated on books, articles, and technical reports that address topics of aging policy, Alzheimer's disease, family caregiving, and end-of-life care.