VOLUME 7
YESWECANNEWSPAPER.COM THREE
COULDA, SHOULDA,
PROMISING DIETS TO IMPROVE
WOULDA
COGNITIVE VITALITY
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This is an important story that can make all of us aware of the holidays loneliness amongst Seniors. A 76-year-old mother of five children and grandmother of eight starts planning for the holidays in October, deciding which of three trees and more than a thousand collectible ornaments will be put on display that year. She plans her Christmas dinner menu while shopping for Thanksgiving, and begins baking and sending out her signature Christmas treats the first week in December. By December 10, gifts for every one of her children, childrenin-law, grandchildren and their girlfriends and boyfriends are wrapped and under the tree. But this year, she's having a hard time getting in the spirit. Arthritis has dramatically limited her physical mobility, and her mind wanders. She keeps thinking about her husband and how much he is missed. "The two grandkids who were born after he died will turn 12 next year. They never knew him, but his wife still misses him like it was yesterday." To make matters worse, the recession has hit this fixed-income senior and some family members hard. At least one out -of-town branch of the family won't make it to the holiday celebration. something that would have been unthinkable in years past --
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and the monetary limit on gifts has been lowered considerably. "It isn't that people need expensive gifts," she says. "It's the worry. " The 76 is feeling sad, but she isn't alone. According to Mental Health America, some two million seniors suffer from some form of depression. While there's no evidence that the holidays bring an increase in clinical depression, experts say the season can be especially hard on seniors who are trying to cope with physical and emotional change in their lives. The carols in stores, the decorations in homes, the platters of cookies passed at every gathering -- things that represent the joy of the ThanksgivingHanukkah-Christmas-New Year season -can trigger memories of people and things gone by. That can lead to holiday depression. The holidays are a time of tradition and the gathering of family and friends for many people, but for some seniors this can be a time that reminds them of losses...the loss of loved ones, the loss of a home, the loss of good health." How you can help, know first that it’s difficult for many seniors to talk about their holiday blues. They may feel that they don't want to dampen the mood for others,
can be in my bedroom, bathroom even sitting next to you doing what I know is wrong A message taken from some of our and you’re so caught up during your own millennial generation, parent please read the thing. message compiled from the heart and soul of some of our youth. A need from us! We are the children we want and need to be the children. You are my parent, whether together or separated, you birth us into this world unfortunately it’s a world that is spinning in Time. I need you my parent, my trainer to help me slow the time down so we can enjoy each other. I know, I know you work hard, you go here and you go there, life maybe have taken its toll on you, but I am still here and I need your guidance. The cell phone, my tablet you brought for me, don't get me wrong it's all good, but it's not you, my trainer, my parents, I need you. Just as drugs and Alcohol It's not too late, be strong be ready one can get addicted, its sad to say but I’m to sit down with me and teach me about the addicted to something that can't hug me, it good and the bad, regardless of how I redoesn't spond, take authority, I like for us to comkiss me municate tell each other we are sorry. Tell and tell me that you will train me up in the way I me "I should be going so I can make it in this love spinning world as I grow older. you". I hear too much, I see too much, maybe why am I included so much of Adult matyou ters, please help me to be a child! Please haven't teach me God's ways! I am your child and I noticed love you so very much, it's never too late, beit's always time for all of us to start over cause again. I am a child crying out for my father, you are my mother my grandparents to help me. too I know you're not perfect but you busy are the light in my light, the book that I read with so many other things. I need you to daily, God blessed me with you. I love you, limit my time I need to learn how to social- I need you to help me to know everything ize, don't be concern if I act up, please don't that will help me as I grow up, help me to listen to me I'm your child addicted and know the truth. really don't understand what’s really hapThis article reflects the cry of pening and how it’s going to affect my many youth, we know that there are many life. There are so many wrong doors avail- parents, single or not are doing a great job able to me, you wouldn't allow a stranger an with their children. Teaching and making evil person to take me by the hand and lead sure they have a balance life. This article me into destruction, but yet it has happened we hope will be an eye opener for some to me with this technology gadget where I parents.
POCAHONTAS
Page 7 or they may not want to admit that they feel depressed during what should be a happy time. You can help by getting your elderly relative or friend to talk about it. "It's helpful for seniors to acknowledge that this time may be difficult," but try to talk it will allow senior to feel okay about sharing some of the thoughts on their mind, which could make them feel better." Other things you can do to help your favorite senior get through the holidays include: "Conquering Depression in the Golden Years," it's essential for seniors to feel connected to other people during the holidays. "The key message is do not stay home alone during the holidays,” “Stay active and look for places where people celebrate the holidays together. Adult children have to be involved in holiday planning, and at least ask their parents what they're planning to do. For people living in adult communities, the administration usually organizes special events, meals and entertainment. People who live at home might reconnect with one another, go to a community center or spend the holiday with their children or other relatives Listening to someone talk can help them process their feelings, and it creates a sense of connection. "Take the time to listen to your loved ones. They may need to reminisce about their childhood or past holiday traditions. The complaints can be your cue to gently encourage your friend or loved one to talk about how they're feeling.
If this is your Birthday month, There are plenty of freebies and gifts for you. See our list! Page 7 Maybe your mom can no longer remember all the steps to make her classic holiday pecan pie. Or maybe your dad can't climb the ladder to put up his favorite hot Chile pepper lights. But with your help, these traditions can continue help them feel connected and a part of the holiday. Finally, it's important to realize that while the holiday blues may be difficult, it is temporary. If your loved one is seriously depressed for more than two weeks, get help. The 76-year-old mother decided to immerse herself -- and her memories of her husband -- into a project. She's putting together a scrapbook of his life, with photos, stories and sayings, for the granddaughters who never knew him. And she's trying to be grateful. "Even if everyone can't make it. Her story had a very positive ending, but that’s not possibly always the case in others situations, so let’s all make every effort to assist seniors through the Holidays. With our help we can make them feel connected, appreciated and loved.
By Jackie Baber
A Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan wrote this poem. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable … PLEASE. Would you do me a thoughtful favor of sending this poem to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give. And to see just who in this home did live. I looked all about a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kind, A sober thought came through my mind. For this house was different, so dark and dreary, I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly. I heard stories about them, I had to see more, So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping silent alone, Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home. His face so gentle, his room in such disorder, Not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean shaved, his weathered face tan, I soon understood this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight. Soon ‘round theworld, the children would play, And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, Because of soldiers like this one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, my life is my God, my country, my Corps.” With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep, I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still, I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head. And I put on his T shirt of gray and black, With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside. I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night, This guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.” One look at my watch, and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!
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