With back-to-school season in full effect across Canada, streets are filled with school buses, stores are showcasing supplies and families are adjusting to new routines. While this is a joyful and busy time for many households, it can have a surprising emotional impact on seniors. Grandparents, older caregivers and individuals living alone alike are having their emotional well-being impacted in ways that deserve attention and care.
Back-to-school season heightens feelings of loneliness and isolation.
For many seniors, particularly those who live alone or whose families are busy with back-to-school demands, this season can bring on feelings of loneliness. Grandparents who spent the summer surrounded by children may suddenly find their homes quieter. This can feel isolating. Many seniors play vital roles in helping with childcare over the summer. When school resumes, these interactions often decrease. This sudden shift can create a sense of loss or purposelessness.
“As many as 41 per cent of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation and up to 58 per cent have experienced loneliness before,” reports the National Institute on Ageing.
Back-to-school season increases mood changes.
As well all know, back-to-school season coincides with the transition from summer to fall. While autumn brings crisp air and beautiful scenery, it also brings shorter daylight hours. This is known to affect mood. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s a type of depression linked to reduced exposure to sunlight. This can compound the emotional impact of quieter days and less family interaction.
“It is estimated that SAD makes up 10% of all reported cases of depression,” informs the Canadian Psychological Association, “Approximately 15% of Canadians will report at least a mild case of SAD in their lifetime, while 2-3% will report serious cases. People with a family history of any form of depression may also be at risk of developing SAD. Canadians are particularly at risk, as we have decreased sunlight during the winter months.”
Back-to-school season can trigger saddening nostalgia.
The return of children to school can stir memories for seniors of raising their own families or their working years. While these reflections can be comforting, they can also trigger sadness or a sense of longing for the past. This is especially true for widowed seniors or those experiencing age-related challenges that make them feel distanced from their younger, more active years.
As explained by Stacey Colino for HealthCentral, nostalgic depression is the term “used to describe the negative emotions – such as sadness, regret or loss – that people sometimes feel in the present when thinking about memories from their past. When someone perceives their past as significantly better than their present circumstances, nostalgia can lead them to dwell on what’s been lost.”
How can you support seniors during back-to-school season?
Fortunately, there are many ways families and caregivers in Scarborough, Markham, Pickering and across the GTA can help older adults feel supported and emotionally engaged during this time. Firstly, you can encourage your children to call or video chat with their grandparents after school. Even a quick five-minute chat can brighten a senior’s day. You can also involve seniors in current routines. They may enjoy helping with back-to-school prep such as shopping for supplies, attending school events or assisting with homework.
At LifeCare Mobility, we are committed to helping seniors live with dignity, safety and independence in their homes. From stair lifts to mobility scooters, we offer a range of solutions that support both physical and emotional well-being. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
