Скачать или смотреть When Traditions Feel Too Heavy: Holiday Grief and Behavior Changes in Aging Adults

The holidays are meant to feel joyful, but for many older adults living with loss, traditions can carry too much emotional weight. What looks like disinterest or withdrawal is often grief expressed through behavior—avoiding once‑loved rituals, retreating during family gatherings, or quietly refusing holiday tasks.

In this episode of The Aging Analysis, we explore how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral gerontology help families understand and support holiday grief. You’ll learn:

How grief shows up in behavior—withdrawal, fatigue, irritability, and avoidance of memory‑laden traditions

Signals to watch for that indicate emotional overload rather than lack of holiday spirit

Support strategies for caregivers like shrinking traditions, creating new rituals, and offering predictability

Practical Q&A insights on balancing grief with celebration, respecting emotional pacing, and reducing social pressure

Research findings on how holiday cues intensify grief responses and why these behaviors are patterned, not regression

Holiday care isn’t about forcing joy—it’s about creating safe, gentle ways to honor both grief and connection.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical, psychological, or behavioral care.