Committed To Southern Colorado Seniors For 42 Years And Counting
Senior
Beacon NOV/DEC 2023 EDITION
Established February 1982 Please Recycle
Cañon City
PUEBLO
"If You're 50 Or Over You Should Read It!" Vol. 42:10
Colorado Springs
**LOCAL WRITER**
Combating Holiday Stressors The holiday season is now upon
sure to participate in religious or cultural practices that they find go against us and with it comes expectations of their belief system may be stressful or joy and entertainment that we don’t typically experience the rest of the year. exhausting. The pressure to enjoy or conform to new societal norms can be In addition, we also experience a great deal of stress for many different reasons. particularly stressful for seniors who may not feel the same level of enthuUnderstanding and acknowledging siasm due to various reasons. Another the stressors that come up this time of issue that we frequently do not speak of year can help in providing support and create a more inclusive, stress-free holi- is that many people including seniors suffer with mental health issues such day experience for seniors. This article as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). can help identify where some of those This happens particularly in regions stressors are coming from and how to with limited daylight during the winter minimize them not only during the months and contributes to feelings of holiday season but also year-round. sadness and stress. One important area of stress that can So how do we combat these feelings impact seniors during this time of year of stress during this time? The followcan be related to health concerns. Sening are some helpful hints: iors may have issues that become more 1. Plan ahead: planning and challenging during the holidays due organizing will help minimize the to changes in routine, diet, increased stress. This can include making lists of social activities, or colder weather that tasks, shopping for gifts or groceries in can exacerbate health issues. Limited advance, and scheduling activities that mobility or accessibility issues might make it difficult for you to participate in are enjoyable. 2. Set realistic expectations: conholiday activities as well such as visiting sider the importance of setting realistic loved ones or engaging in giftshopping. expectations for the holidays. MainLoneliness and isolation may also be a tain focus on what can be comfortably factor in increased stress. Many seniors managed so there is less pressure to do may experience feelings of loneliness too much. It is helpful to have frank and isolation. Grief and loss can be conversations with family members painful reminders of loved ones lost Taught by Senior Beacon and friends about the importance of through the years which can trigger setting personal boundaries to help columnist Ron Phillips feelings of grief and sadness, particularly for seniors who have manage stress. 3. Maintaining healthy habits: recent loss or callexperienced the Pueblo have family members who stick to a routine as much as possible, including getting regular sleep, mainWestliveLibrary far away. Another frequent stress- taining healthy eating, and setting time to RSVP to get regular exercise. These habits can or can be from financial
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**LOCAL NEWS**
ELECTRICRITTERS
AT THE PUEBLO ZOO, NOV. 24TH
PUEBLO, CO (November 2023) ElectriCritters, Pueblo’s favorite “For me, it’s not about the money, holiday tradition, is back to light up but the opportunity to improve your holiday season. Presented by the quality of life for others.” Black Hills Energy, ElectriCritters Tony Baros • Owner + Caretaker is the most spectacular homegrown light show in Southern Colorado. Call Us Today: Se Habla Guests experience thousands of (719) 250-2354 Español lights and over 150 imaginative Non-medical Home Care & Recreational Activities designs as they walk through this animal-themed winter wonderland at the Pueblo Zoo. Visitors can warm up with cocoa and a cookie at our Candy Cane Café, brought to you by T-Fiber at its new location behind the EcoCenter and enjoy a memorable experience with the whole family! “It is so touching to know Colorado Citizens Against Toxic that ElectriCritters holds such a Waste (CCAT) has partnered with The special place in so many famiRoyal Gorge Regional Museum & Hislies' hearts. People are constantly amazed and reminded every year tory Center to develop an educational Non-medical Home display on the local Lincoln Park-Cothow magical the experience is ter Superfund Site. The museum will whether it is their first visit or be holding a joint opening Recreational event with Activitie their members of the CCAT Board for this twentieth!" says Executive Dinew exhibit on Thursday, November rector, Abbie Krause. "The espe30th from 4pm to 6pm. cially heartwarming part is that all the proceeds go to the care of This display illustrates the history and the environmental impact of this SEE ZOO, PAGE 9 SEE HOLIDAY, PAGE 9 Superfund Site.
strains that the holidays bring. Limited income or fixed budgets can make it 100% educational difficult for seniors to give and informative gifts, travel or host those who are visiting. Financial strain can lead to stress and anxiety during a time when there is social presThe Berrier Group sure to spend money. 719-547-1727 Expectations from famwww.marleneberrier.com ily members to participate in gatherings can also affect seniors that struggle with cultural or other religious expectations. Seniors might feel pres-
**LOCAL NEWS**
CCAT PARTNERS WITH MUSEUM ON
SUPERFUND EXHIBIT
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The exhibit opening is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Following the Thursday opening, Friday and Saturday December 1st and 2nd there will be additional docents on hand from 1pm to 3pm to help answer any questions about this display. The Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center is the local repository of the Lincoln Park-Cotter Superfund
▶ SEE MUSEUM, back cover Find SENIOR BEACON at many Grocers, Thrift Stores, and Restaurants