"Home Alone"
Not Just a Movie for Some Seniors

"Home alone" is not just a kid’s fear.

For millions of older Americans, the idea of spending the holidays by themselves can bring on depression and dread about what should be a season to celebrate.

"One of the joys of growing older is the ability to be alone and at peace with oneself," said Dr. Robert Luchi of the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine. "One of the sad things about aging is being alone when you do not wish to be."

Fear of being alone can be a tremendous psychological factor that causes individuals to become depressed and to sometimes imagine the world as a scarier place than it perhaps is in reality. Television can further exacerbate this distortion of reality, especially for people who spend large amounts of time glued to the set and watching depressing news about war, terrorism and other daily news coverage.

Add in the pressure at the holidays to be around loved ones and the result can be a "season of despair" for older individuals.

"Let’s face it. It can be depressing at times to be alone, but during the holidays when television is full of cheery, Norman Rockwellesque-portrayals of the perfect family get-together, it can make even secure, confident people dread this time of year," said Dr. Luchi.

There are some things you can do, however, to take charge of the situation and not fall prey to the "holiday blues." Consider the following:

• Help others. What better way to get in the holiday spirit and away from an empty house than to help another human being? Volunteer at a local charity organization, visit a nursing home or take some baked goods to neighbors who might not have your mobility and independence.
• If you are not able to get out as easily, then ask what you can do from home. Many organizations would welcome the chance for any help, even if it means doing work from your home.
• Make arrangements ahead of time with friends or neighbors to have your own "family" gathering. Younger single people who live in large cities away from their homes do this all the time.
• Avoid depressing news coverage. Look for light TV programming, rent a favorite old movie, stock up on some good books, pick out a favorite childhood holiday recipe and invite a local youth group to learn a new "old" tradition.
• Do something old fashioned as a special treat for others. Send an old friend or a young relative a thoughtful, hand-written letter, make them a card, or do a family oral history as a "keepsake" for others interested in their roots.

There are no limits to finding ways to get through the holidays if you are living independently. But the first step is making the decision to do things a little differently this season. You might just start a whole new tradition.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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