Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Older adults Staff Reports For the elderiy, home for the holidays can be a lonely proposition. That is why the elderly especially need to connect with other family members, friends or members of church * groups or social organizations, says geriatric nurse practitioner Dr. Janet Nussbaum, a professor at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. "The time between Thanksgiving onrl fKriotmoa nan Kn rliffi/nilf fnr y * ^ ; ' : * ' v I Sav * V - ' .. " jjjjj O* . N ' ' : . ?h ^ require additi adults. Being connected to a social support system helps them through the holidays," Nussbaum said. "If older adults are mobile and can get out, they should make plans to take part in holiday activities. If they aren't able to go places, then family members and friends can visit, call or write," she added. Many elderly may be sad during the holidays, Nussbaum says, because they remember past holidays and the friends and family members who have died or e The Pec For long-distance cal ion attention moved away. "The holidays remind us of losses, and ifs okay to feel sad," Nussbaum said. "We all feel sad from time to time. The elderly should be allowed to say if it is a painfrd time." But as long as the person has a good support system and a purpose for getting up each day, he or she probably will not become depressed. "They have gotten /\1/J Iwioiicin fUntr nm mcnlinrsl- " irv\ SaidIn spite of busy holiday schedules, < flj pie You Ci Is. Savings based on a 3-min. AT&T operator-dialed \ between Thai Nussbaum recommends that family i members and friends make the { commitment this holiday season to share 1 the gift of time throughout the year, ^ "You don't have to go to great lengths to make a difference in someone's life," < \T ? AUU~ U i> udduaum bdiu. mmuugii <x pei suiiai visit is nice, phone calls, cards and letters ; also mean a lot to the elderly." < Nussbaum recommends including < pictures with cards and letters and taking time to jot down a short stoiy about the < picture. The stories can be something ' ^ yl&A - ^^^Bak ' all Up To 4 < I interstate call. iksgiving, Ch as simple as, "This was Susan's thirdjrade class picture. It was raining so lard that day that Fm surprised her hair was not more curly!" Other ideas for spreading holiday :heer to those unable to get out: Give a low maintenance pet. This adds purpose and responsibility to the alder adult's life. Small dogs, birds or 2ats are gooa cnoices. Give a plant. Plants don't talk, bite Dr eat, but they do require attention. Faking care of plants can help the elderly % r 3 ' > ' > MM 17b. \ ristmas time maintain a sense of worth. A family history. Make an audiotape or videotape of the family's senior member discussing the family's history. This can be given to to the one sharing the history and duplicated for other family members. In-home activities. Help a senior do an activity enjoyed earlier in life. For example, if an aunt likes quilting but can no longer sew the pieces together, work out an arrangement to help make the pieces and then have them sewn into a quilt. wusc call today | 777-1184 TC,0Jifftcock ROAD CLOSED Not to us! We're going . straight ahead for treatments and cures for 40 neuromuscular diseases. HRM Muscular Dystrophy Association 1-800-572-1717 People help MDA... because MDA helps people. apr* jS> longsleevevintage @ Moe's Sfi nn yvivv moe levy's 1300 assembly street