How Does Back-To-School Season Impact Your Elderly Loved Ones?

Now that September is underway, we’re all embarking on a very special time of year. It’s back-to-school season! Students all over Canada are heading back to the classrooms this week. It means that stores are filled with backpacks, families are organizing new routines and the energy of fall is about to settle in.

While this time of year is largely focused on students and parents, it also carries important implications for seniors. Older adults often feel the ripple effects of the back-to-school season. In many ways, it can impact their health, lifestyle and emotional well-being. It’s important to understand that seniors’ needs shift with the seasons.

How does sending the kids back to school impact your elderly loved ones?

The added responsibility of after-school care can create stress.

For many grandparents, back-to-school means more involvement in family life, not less. Seniors may find themselves helping with after-school care, attending extracurricular activities or even managing pick-ups and drop-offs. While these opportunities can be incredibly rewarding, the added responsibility may also create stress or physical strain.

Driving children to school, navigating busy hallways and chasing after energetic little ones can become overwhelming. Seniors with mobility challenges, joint pain or reduced stamina may find these tasks difficult. If you’re an older caregiver of children, don’t hesitate to set realistic boundaries. Offer help in ways that align with your comfort level. For example, perhaps you’d prefer reading with your grandchild after school rather than doing the physical commute.

As revealed by Paula Arriagada of Statistics Canada, the 2018 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving found that “one-third (33%) of senior caregivers reported that their caregiving responsibilities were stressful or very stressful. Stress related to caregiving varied significantly depending on the number of hours spent on caregiving and had a stronger effect on senior women.”

There is greater exposure to seasonal illnesses.

Unfortunately, schools aren’t just known as educational facilities. They also have a reputation for being breeding grounds for colds, flu and other illnesses. When children come home with runny noses or coughs, grandparents who provide after-school care or regular visits are at a higher risk of exposure. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, which can escalate into more serious health concerns.

At this time of year, it’s wise for seniors to prioritize their health. They should visit their doctors to ensure that all of their medications are up to date. In addition, practicing frequent hand washing and keeping hand sanitizer nearby is important. As well, kids should be encouraged to use tissues properly in order to reduce the spread of germs at home.

“The flu can be particularly dangerous for older adults, so the flu vaccine is strongly recommended,” offers All About Care, “Incorporating immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, garlic, and yogurt into the diet can also support overall health during flu season.”

Adjustments in household routines can be disruptive.

Back-to-school means earlier mornings, homework schedules and often more traffic on the roads. For seniors who live with their families, this shift in routine can feel disruptive. Noise levels in the home may increase, making it harder to rest or stick to personal habits. As well, more time spent in traffic, taking the kids to and from school, can be stressful for older adults who drive.

Planning ahead can help. Seniors may want to schedule appointments and errands outside of school rush hours to avoid congestion. Families can also create quiet zones or times during the day when seniors can rest and recharge amidst the bustle of school life.

The Salvation Army stresses that consistent routines are crucial for seniors. They provide stability, comfort and a sense of purpose in their day-to-day lives. The benefits of a regular routine for seniors include reduced anxiety, better sleep, more physical activity, greater independence and stronger cognitive function. “Engaging in routine mental activities can help keep the mind sharp and ward off cognitive decline,” says their website.

A lack of kids in the house can spawn feelings of loneliness.

For some older adults, back-to-school is a joyful reminder of the excitement of learning. For others, however, it may trigger feelings of loneliness. Seniors whose grandchildren live far away may feel left out of the excitement. Others may miss the days when their own children were young, sparking nostalgia or sadness.

As GenWell reports, a 2023 Canadian Social Survey, found that “over 50% of Canadian seniors report feelings of loneliness, with 30.1% stating they do not have people they can rely on when they have problems and over 300,000 report feeling consistently lonely over the past 10 years.”

On the flip side, seniors who stay involved often report greater satisfaction and connection. If you’re feeling left out this season, consider volunteering opportunities. Many Calgary schools and community centres welcome seniors as reading buddies, mentors or event helpers. It’s a wonderful way to connect with young people while building a sense of purpose.

Navigating busier streets increases the likelihood of falls.

As families rush to get children to and from school, neighbourhoods become busier with cars, bikes and pedestrians. For seniors who enjoy walking, this increased activity can pose new risks. Crossing busier streets or navigating crowded sidewalks may increase the likelihood of falls or accidents.

Especially for those who contend with mobility issues, it’s smart to use mobility aids like canes or walkers if needed. It’s also wise to choose well-lit, less congested walking routes. Seniors in Calgary may also consider adjusting their walking times to avoid the morning and afternoon school rush. Installing safety features at home, such as grab bars and safety rails, can also help reduce risks when returning from outdoor activities.

A mobility scooter is an excellent solution to help eliminate this risk. Instead of worrying about navigating through uneven pavement, rushing pedestrians or heavy shopping bags, older adults can rely on the stability, comfort and ease of a scooter to move around safely and confidently. It allows them to continue enjoying errands, appointments and outings without the fear of falling or overexerting themselves in bustling environments.

Get in touch with Advantage Home Health Solutions!

We’re proud to provide all of these high-quality mobility solutions that aren’t just for seniors in Calgary. They’re for anyone experiencing joint pain or other mobility limitations. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!