Nov-Dec 2009 Buncombe/Madison Co.
Beating the Holiday Blues
Plan Ahead to Ease Holiday Stress For many, the holidays are about traditions – the eggnog, the decorations, gathering family and loved ones for a visit. But for others, the holidays become a time of stress and loneliness as families are miles apart, and our focus becomes clouded by the tinsel and lights. This is also the time of year when many older adults begin to feel lonelier than at any other time of the year.
RSVP Newsletter Enriching Lives Meeting Community Needs RSVP Coordinators Patti Cameron ext 126 Buncombe & Madison Patti@landofsky.org, Vicki Jennings, Ext. 130 Henderson & Transylvania Vicki@landofsky.org Program Assistant Brenda DeLaCruz ext. 132 Brenda@landofsky.org (Call for Theatre Tickets) Tel: (828)-251-6622 or 1-800-727-0557 http://sites.google.com/site/ rsvpserniorcorp/Home Special Thanks to our Newsletter Sponsor
“Loneliness is a natural byproduct of the holidays, because of the break in our daily routine,” says Dan Russell, a professor of human development with Iowa State University. “The things we normally do tend to slow down during the holidays, which means we have more time to sit and think about our individual situations.” Russell recommends that seniors, in particular, find new ways to connect with others if they feel themselves begin to feel the effects of loneliness. “Tis the season to reconnect with both relatives and friends, or possibly make new friends,” he said. "Seniors can also try to find some projects that involve some social interactivity during the holidays. They are typically more abundant during this time of year." And while family is important, Russell reminds seniors that they don’t have to spend the entire holiday with family if it is too stressful. “We want to see our children and grandchildren, but spending two weeks away from our friends and daily rou-
tines may be too much. Plan accordingly,” he says. Russell also reminds seniors that being honest with family members with things like finances, schedules and personal wishes is best. “If it’s been awhile since we’ve seen our families, they may assume that everything is the same as it was the last visit when, in reality, your energy level may be less, or you may have less income to spend on gifts,” he says. “Letting your children know up front that there may be fewer gifts this year or that you may not have the energy to watch the grandkids every night of your visit is better than surprising them when you arrive.” And don’t be afraid to get involved, Russell says. Most nonprofit organizations who offer community services are looking for people throughout the holiday season—not just on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. “The best way to avoid the holiday blues is to get involved helping others,” he said. “This takes the focus off of ourselves and helps us get a better perspective on our world.” RSVP members can find holiday volunteer opportunities in this newsletter and on our website. See page 8 for information on Congregate Meal Sites you can attend this holiday season.
Victims Assistance Program– New RVSP Initiative In 1999 an AARP survey found that older consumers are disproportionately vulnerable to telemarketing fraud. 56% of those identified by the survey as targets of telemarketing fraud were age 50 or older. Unable to replace assets lost to these fraud artists, the financial and psychological impact of telemarketing fraud on senior victims can be devastating. RSVP, the Area Agency on Aging and the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, and the NC Attorney General’s Office are working together to create a Victims Assistance Program (VAP). The Victims Assistance Program utilizes the skills and availability of trained senior volunteers to assist the special detectives in the State Attorney General’s Office to provide follow-up with community seniors who have been victims of crime to assess their level of functioning, explore a safety plan, identify community and social supports and make referrals to professionals in areas where appropriate and ultimately to reduce the incidence of repeat scams. If you are interested in becoming a VAP volunteer contact Christina Giles in our office. Christina will take your contact information and notify you when dates have been confirmed. Christina Giles can be reached at 251-6622 ext 108 or email christina@landofsky.org. For more information on the project please go to: http:// www.dhhs.state.nc.us/aging/vap.htm. Training will be conducted at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council on March 31st, 2010 from 10am –2pm lunch included.