How to beat the January blues

With "Blue Monday" nearly upon us, this month can be a difficult time for many, especially the older generation. Elderly parents and relatives can find January and February particularly gloomy times, with shorter daylight hours, post-holiday blues and financial worries starting to kick in. 

Many of us will have spent time with elderly relatives over the festive period and may have noticed ageing, physical deterioration, or perhaps early signs of dementia. Annabel James, Founder of Age Space and an expert on elderly care, has put together the following advice with older people in mind. 

Beyond the January blues there is a bigger worry amongst older people to remain living independently at home and continuing to enjoy life. While it may be tempting to stay under the covers until the weather improves and the days are longer, keeping healthy, active and busy through the winter months will stand everyone in good stead for the longer term.  

The festive period is a busy time, and the quietness of the next few months can be challenging. Stay in touch with family and friends and plan time together to catch up whether it’s a coffee with a neighbour, or a trip to the garden centre. 

Socialising is good for your mental health

A winter favourite is a matinee at the cinema or the local theatre, both of which will have “silver screenings”.   

Get enthusiastic about the year ahead by putting things in the diary such as a holiday, an outing, or an event. Sorting out the calendar and having things to look forward to can help focus our thoughts and plans. 

Explore lunch clubs and social organisations like the WI and University of the Third Age. The benefits of singing are well-known, so how about joining a choir? Join a book club, or if it’s crafting you love, plenty of local groups providing chat and craft, or knitting and nattering for example.

Being sociable helps keep the brain sharp and reduces the risk of becoming isolated and lonely, well-known causes of depression. Keeping busy is such an important part of living well and longer. It can be daunting to consider joining a new group or a club, so perhaps join with a friend or a neighbour. 

While the days are so short it can be hard to get out and about, but daily exercise is good for the soul and the fitness levels, even if it’s just a trip to the shops. Ask your GP surgery to suggest some exercise classes or investigate local organisations providing classes for older people.   

Above all, this is a good way to help prevent falls around the home, perhaps encourage a bit of a clear-out. Some changes to prevent falls are simple such as moving rugs or getting rid of clutter. A spring clean in January can be both cathartic and liberating. 

A satisfying task to start the year; clear out old bills, organize your correspondence and make or update the list of medications. 

Start your year off strong by sorting out that paperwork

If you’re concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, review your finances to ensure that you’re receiving all the benefits you’re able to claim.  

You are never too old to start something new or learn something! Investigate courses, classes, and things to do. A lovely project that can involve your family is putting together the family tree or sharing your own memoirs.  

Re-discover the pleasure of food. Particularly for those living alone, food can become just fuel. Reignite the pleasure of food and eating with the therapeutic benefits of being in the kitchen.

Fall back in love with cooking

Dig out favourite old recipes, cook for a neighbour or friend; or just enjoy a much-loved dish.  

Staying independent in old age is incredibly important to health and wellbeing, but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling less mobile or frailer. 

If you’re starting to notice that everyday activities are becoming more difficult—opening jars, buttoning shirts, reading the paper—then there are some amazing, cost-effective gadgets that can help.  

There are thousands of organisations are crying out for volunteers such as charity shops, museums, art galleries, the local hospital, and many more. Befriending services, whether on the phone or in person, are particularly age-friendly, but any volunteering can help maintain confidence and self-esteem, giving someone a sense of purpose and feeling needed by others. 

Annabel is keen to help families plan the future of their elderly loved ones, sharing the load of care and support, and enabling parents and relatives to continue to enjoy their lives by keeping active, healthy, and busy. For more information about Age Space please visit: https://www.agespace.org/ 

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