Helping the elderly beat the January blues

January is a difficult month for many, especially the older generation. New Year, New You may not be the enthusiastic mantra for elderly parents and relatives who feel that January and February are particularly gloomy times.

Here are some of the tips to beat those January blues:

Plan the year – sort out the calendar and get enthusiastic about the year ahead by putting things in the diary such as a holiday, an outing, or an event. Having things to look forward to can help focus our thoughts and plans.

Daily exercise – while the days are so short it can be hard to get out and about, but daily exercise is good for the soul and the fitness levels, even if it’s just a trip to the shops. The GP surgery may well be able to suggest some exercise classes, or there are a myriad of local organisations providing classes for older people.

Friends and family – keep up your connections, Christmas is a busy time, and the quietness of the next few months can be challenging. Stay in touch with family and friends and plan time together to catch up whether it’s a trip to the garden centre or coffee with a neighbour.

Paperwork sort out – a satisfying task to start the year; make or update the list of medications, clear out old bills, organize your correspondence.

Aston spoke to Annabel James, founder of Age Space.