Navigating Holiday Stress for Older Adults

The holidays can be a stressful time to make your list, check it twice, and also stay on top of your health during cold and flu season.

Older adults should prioritize their health and wellbeing all throughout the year, but the holidays invite a special time to check in with your loved ones about how you’re feeling.

Here are some tips to help lessen the stress of the holiday season:

Make travel plans early

• Stress is one of the top contributors to inflammation, especially in older people. 
  • Source: NCOA
• If you’re flying home to be with loved ones, book those flights early to confirm your seats before the chaos of last-minute flights. 
• If you’re driving, make sure your car is up-to-date with an oil change, and make sure your vehicle is well-equipped to deal with any winter weather you may encounter. Early preparation can save you a holiday headache when trying to get home to your grandchildren.
• Confirm your itinerary with your loved ones and keep them up-to-date on flight or hotel bookings. Allowing someone else to double check your dates and times can lighten your mental load.

Eat and drink well (while still enjoying your family’s homemade apple pie)

• Eating a well-rounded, nutritious meal can boost your immune system. Include anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, like salmon or tuna, tomatoes, olive oil, nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, and green leafy vegetables. Maybe make a beautiful kale salad with walnuts and cranberries as a holiday side!
  • Source: Harvard Health
• Properly hydrating can make a huge difference in your body’s function, notably digestion and energy. Drinking enough water is also linked to improved brain health and performance!
  • Source: NCOA

Have the tough conversations

• The holidays are a prime opportunity to be honest with yourself and your loved ones about your plans for the next year. Start thinking about your health and wellness goals for the next calendar year – do you want to gain muscle mass and improve bone density? Is it time to explore continuing care retirement communities?
• The Cypress of Charlotte is here to help you make the most of your aging. With the on-site Stewart Health Center and Home Care Agency, we make sure our Members are prepared for any health needs, now or in the future. 
  • Source: The Cypress of Charlotte