How the Holidays Affect Seniors
Combatting the Loneliest Time of Year
The holidays are a season of joy, happiness, community, and family. Or at least they should be. For some seniors, the holidays can be the loneliest time of year.
An AARP Foundation survey found that 31% of adults say they have felt lonely during the holiday season sometime in the last 5 years. The US Census also estimated that 27% of adults aged 65+ lived alone in 2020. The increasing isolation of senior citizens is something to worry about.
According to the National Council on Aging, “Recent research has shown that feeling lonely or being isolated affects mortality in a similar way to that of a smoking habit of 15 cigarettes per day, and has more of an impact on mortality than other risk factors, like obesity and sedentary lifestyle.”
While the holiday season brings a sense of community and collective celebration, it can also stir up depression in seniors. To some seniors, the nostalgia of the holidays reminds them of those they lost over the years, the people they aren’t celebrating with anymore. Seniors that struggle with mobility face even more isolation and stress. They may perceive their presence as a burden (physically or financially), and face more hurdles to attend holiday events than others.
The key is to interact with your loved one in such a way that they feel involved, celebrated, and appreciated. Even across distances, it is important to check in with your loved one.
Ways to combat holiday loneliness in seniors:
Communicate: Don’t feel restricted to small talk when you see your loved ones. Ask deep questions, share stories. Make an effort to speak 15-30 minutes per week, either on the phone, video, or in person!
Encourage Social Activities: If your senior doesn’t live in a community that organizes events, help facilitate holiday outings/activities for them. Go together, or invite their friends!
Add Festive Touches to Their Home: Decorating for the holidays can cause anxiety for some seniors. Assist in adding simple, beautiful items that will bring joy while they are alone. Throw some family photos in there, too!
Invite Them to Your Holiday Celebration: Pick them up and drive them to your house. Shop for a new holiday outfit with them. Bake desserts with them. It is always a good time to start new traditions or honor old ones.
The holiday season is long and demanding. Making time for joy with your senior could benefit them in more ways than you know.