The Paper 11-22-18

Page 1

Volume 48 - No. 47

By Friedrich Gomez

With today being Thanksgiving, for many senior citizens around the country, it’s just another day on their calendar. As usual, many will be left alone on this, otherwise, festive family gettogether. It is particularly hard for seniors who have outlived their spouses. Doubly-hard when their grown children and grandchildren have “other plans” – plans which do not include their elderly parents. A recent 2018 survey revealed: The The Paper Paper -- 760.747.7119 760.747.7119

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November 22, 2018

“For many seniors, the holidays are not a time of celebration and joy, but only serve as reminders of how lonely he or she may be, the friends that have passed on, the lack of family get-togethers and the inability to participate in such events.” Often, these seniors are excluded, abandoned, and isolated from family plans.

It is a widespread situation, not just here in America, but around the globe. Commonly

referred to as the ‘holiday blues,’ elderly depression during the holidays affects senior couples, widows and widowers, singles, and divorcees. A recent documentary explored the deeply-personal feelings of people living in old-age homes: “Most of whom are tricked into going there.” As research reveals, “Some children feel that their elderly parents are a financial burden. Some abandon them when they are ill.” In general, studies show that most say that they are just too

busy to care for them.

For the upcoming holiday season, many of us do not wish to think about these situations. It is just too uncomfortable to reflect upon. Many believe it is best to ignore this reality and just “sweep it all under the rug,” so that, otherwise, goodfeelings and happy-celebrations are not ruined. Blissful ignorance is often the order of the day. We sometimes pretend it’s not a problem.

Holidays for Seniors - See Page 2


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