FARMINGTON — Senior citizens are often being more impacted by the down economy than others.

“Because of the economy, we are very concerned about our seniors this holiday season,” said Sally Kershisnik, Senior Services division director.

“There have been a variety of Angel Trees for kids and seniors, and projects through Meals on Wheels,” she said.

For instance, “secret blankets” were being donated to needy seniors for distribution just before Christmas.

And at the same time, seniors at senior activity centers often were able to “give back” to young performers who came to brighten their days with holiday tunes and cheer, such as with stuffed animals and coats, said Bonnie Athas, senior program registered dietician.

“We are also concerned about seniors having to go out in the cold, on the ice,” Kershisnik said.

She recalled a recent cold day where seniors were getting H1N1 shots at one of the senior activity centers.

“Some were wearing tennis shoes or house slippers. Those have no tread, and I’m very concerned about them falling,” Kershisnik said.

A registered nurse, she urged seniors also to remember that they need to drink enough liquids – even though it may not seem as necessary with the colder weather.

“They can still get dehydrated,” she said.

Along with those concerns, the importance of seniors being able to carry on sometimes lifelong holiday traditions was emphasized.

“Seniors need to carry on Christmas traditions, get together with family members,” said Athas.

They are often the ones who can help create the peace during the holidays, as family members, who may not see each other but once a year, get together from near and far.

“It’s always good to get together and chat,” she suggested.

“They shouldn’t remain isolated,” Kershisnik emphasized. “Not everyone has family, and this world is very mobile,” meaning family members often have moved far from their roots, and parents.

“As neighbors and friends, we need to be inclusive,” she said. In her family’s case, they always include a single older neighbor in their holiday get-together, for example.

“Sometimes we assume people have friends or families” who will include them, when that isn’t the case, Kershisnik said.

“Neighbors may volunteer to shovel a senior’s walk, but then the snow plow comes by and they don’t think to come back” when there may be more snow than ever, said senior volunteer coordinator Jessica Hardcastle.

“Or your senior neighbors may not have Christmas decorations. Maybe they’re not able to put them up,” and would be happy for help from someone able-bodied who can do it, she said.

“Going over and visiting is probably worth more than anything” in the seniors’ eyes, Hardcastle said.

“There shouldn’t be any senior left alone, cold, or hungry,” especially during this season, Athas emphasized.

The senior centers are due to close Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, about noon, after lunch is served, but will stay open as long as needed. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call Hardcastle at 801-451-3335.

That could be something as simple and painless as providing telephone reasurrance, calling one or more seniors regularly from home, to chat with them, see how they are doing, if they need any help. Or, it can mean visiting several seniors on a regular basis, with much the same intent, she said.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com