It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is upon us. But for some people this joyous time of year can be one of the most isolating. This is true especially among older adults living alone. Poor weather conditions compounded with inactivity can lead to sustained sedentary behavior and depression.

If you or someone you know is currently experiencing these feelings or suffering from the acute effects of seasonal affective disorder, I recommend the following guidelines:

Explore opportunities for physical wellness: It’s no surprise to anyone that physical activity provides many important short and long term benefits. This is pretty timeless advice. It is, however, important to explore exercises that might work best for your lifestyle. In recent years there has been an explosive shift in the wellness arena for older adults. At Partners in Prime, for example, members enjoy everything from Zumba and Boomer Boot Camp to Hatha Yoga, Beginner Tai Chi and more. For many older adults, stepping out of their comfort zone is the first — and most difficult — step. Sampling a variety of classes and making a personal commitment to attend not only bolsters one’s physical wellness, but can also add important structure to one’s routine.

Reach out to your social circles: Have an honest conversation with yourself or with your loved one about the biggest obstacles you-or they- are facing this season. For some it might be adjusting to the first holiday without a spouse, for others it’s taking the right steps to seek in-home support services. Arrange to have coffee or lunch with friends. Connecting through conversation and interaction has more health benefits than you might realize. Use your close network of friends and family as a springboard to identify the source of your negative feelings, or reach out to someone else who is qualified to help. I often recommend that older adults consider calling our Information and Referral Service. It’s a solution-oriented program that bridges the gap between the needs of community members and appropriate services. With two licensed I&R specialists on staff, Partners in Prime proudly provides this program for older adults.

Exercise your mental health: While it’s common for everyone to feel a little “blue” during the winter months, depression is not a normal part of aging. Creating a positive change in your life first begins by aligning your thoughts and behaviors in a more productive, self-empowered way. Programs such as UPLIFT, available for minimal or no charge to eligible residents of Butler County, age 50 and older, are designed to enhance mental wellbeing and cultivate a more positive outlook on life and aging. In fact, after participating in UPLIFT, 86 percent of older adults reported a significant decrease in their levels of depression after participating in this outcomes-based program.

Everyone is entitled to achieving their best quality of life — this season and every season. For more information about Partners’ I&R program, UPLIFT or other ways to beat seasonal depression, contact Partners in Prime at (513) 867-1998 or e-mail me at sschnabl@partnersinprime.org.