Getting Through "The January Blahs" Together: Strategies For Helping Struggling Seniors Move Forward

January can be a tough month for everyone. After the holiday season is over, people young and old look forward to warmer days and longer hours of daylight. For seniors, however, the cold weather combined with a lack of social interaction and physical activity increase feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. This phenomenon has become known as "The January Blahs."

What is the "January Blahs"?

The "January Blahs" is a term used to describe the feeling of being down in the dumps and unmotivated. For many people, those feelings are particularly pronounced during the long January months due to the short days, long nights, and, in many cases, isolation from family members or friends. January may, for many seniors, feel like something they just have to "get through."

Strategies for Helping Seniors Move Forward

Fighting off the January Blahs is often an ongoing process. It may involve careful attention to a lot of things, including activity level and social interaction, as well as monitoring for worsening feelings. 

Physical Activity

Physical activity isn't just a key part of physical health. It can also help many seniors maintain overall mental health and fight off the January Blahs. Regular walking, stretching, yoga, or light exercise can help keep seniors moving. Taking an exercise class at the local senior center or gym can help seniors interact more with others and get out of the house, too!

Daily Routine

Creating and maintaining a daily routine can go a long way toward improving mental health. With a clear routine, seniors often feel a great sense of purpose and motivation. A routine doesn't have to be complicated. However, it can include many things that can help boost mental health during the long January days, including taking a shower, going for a walk, or spending some time out in the sun for Vitamin D. Having something to look forward to each day can help keep seniors from giving in to the January Blahs or give them a greater sense of purpose.

Social Interaction

Social interaction is key for seniors to stay engaged and connected with the world around them. This can include activities such as joining a club, going out with friends or family members, or attending community events. During the colder January months, seniors may need to make more deliberate effort to set appointments with friends and family.

Healthy Eating

Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help protect mental health during some of the darkest weeks of the year. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. It's also important to drink lots of water throughout the day. Simple attention to those details can help protect against depression.

Mental Stimulation

Many seniors find that mental stimulation declines over time, since they no longer have to go to work or take care of many of the things that once filled their days. Seniors may want to try reading, putting together puzzles, or playing card games to help keep them sharp.

How In-Home Senior Care Can Help

In-home senior care can be a great option for seniors who are struggling to get through the "January Blahs". A trained caregiver can provide companionship, help with meals and other daily tasks, as well as encourage physical activity and social interaction. At Senior Helpers Wabash, we help seniors in Grant, Huntington, Kosciusko, Marshall, Noble, Wabash, Allen, Miami, Wells, and Whitley with a variety of care and companionship options. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home senior care services!