While holidays are typically seen as the most joyful time of the year, seniors often experience loneliness, which can be detrimental to their physical and emotional health. This isolation can lead to serious medical issues such as stroke, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s as well as mental health issues like depression. Unfortunately, loneliness often goes unnoticed by physicians who may overlook asking about social connections, or seniors who might feel too proud or embarrassed to discuss it.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 43% of seniors report feeling lonely on a regular basis, with these feelings intensifying during the holiday season. This may be due to the absence of nearby family members or challenges with physical mobility. Seniors might find that holidays do not feel the same as they once did, having experienced many joyful celebrations in the past.

In this guide, we discuss some reasons why seniors may feel lonely, how isolation can have a negative effect on seniors, and to how to fight holiday loneliness in seniors.

What are some reasons why seniors feel lonely?

There are many reasons why seniors may feel lonely, especially during the holidays. It is important to be aware of the main contributors to loneliness among your senior loved ones so you can have a better idea of how to help. Here are some major contributors to senior loneliness during the holidays:

• Loss of a partner or loved one:

If your loved one has lost their spouse, friends, or family members, they may have a stronger sense of loneliness while grieving.

• Having limited mobility:

Having physical limitations can make it difficult to be a part of social activities or visit family and friends during the holidays.

• Large geographical distance:

If the senior lives far away from their family or friends, it may be tough to get everyone together during the holidays. Also, those who live in rural areas have a higher risk of being lonely.

• Having health issues:

If your loved one has a chronic illness or their health that is declining, they may be more prone to loneliness. Managing their health conditions may cause them to spend more time at home and become more isolated.

Negative Effects of Isolation on Seniors

As many as one-third of people over the age of 65 live alone, which contributes to social isolation. Experiencing consistent isolation can have detrimental effects on the physical and emotional health of seniors and even contribute to certain health conditions.

The following are possible negative health effects of social isolation on seniors:

• Higher stress levels:

Chronic loneliness can increase stress levels in seniors which can affect them negatively overall.

• Depression and anxiety:

Seniors that experience isolation and loneliness have a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

• High blood pressure:

Loneliness can lead to high blood pressure which can cause additional health issues like heart disease and stroke.

• Weakened immune system:

Over time, seniors who experience isolation and loneliness may have a weakened immune system which makes them more prone to illnesses.

• Cognitive decline:

Many studies have shown that loneliness may increase cognitive decline and can lead to dementia.

How to Combat Holiday Loneliness in Seniors

Holiday visits are an ideal time to check in on your senior loved ones and assess how they are doing physically and emotionally. Ask your loved ones about any new developments with their health and talk to them about their social lives to determine their level of social interaction. If they are showing signs of social isolation or loneliness, use your time with them over the holidays to help reduce their feelings of loneliness.

Taking the following actions can help your senior loved ones feel less lonely over the holidays:

• Look for free events to attend:

During the holiday season many libraries, museums, churches, and even local colleges typically have free or low-cost community events.

• Reach out to friends and family:

The holiday season is great for catching up with family and friends. Whether this is over the phone, video chat, or in person, make sure to maintain a connection with your loved ones over the holidays so they do not feel like they are forgotten.

• Look into new and existing hobbies:

Engage your senior loved ones in their favorite hobbies or take a class with them to learn a new skill or hobby.

• Seek advice from a medical professional:

Talk to your loved one’s doctor about their isolation or loneliness and ask for advice or references to community resources that can help.

• Stay active:

Help your senior loved one stay active by finding an in-person or an online exercise class that is at the right level to help them stay in shape, reduce the risk of falling, and improve balance. Walking around the neighborhood with a senior friend or neighbor is also a great way to stay active.

• Foster new relationships all year long:

If you have senior loved ones who experience isolation and loneliness, you should reach out to them throughout the year to relieve their loneliness and encourage them to foster new relationships. The best way to do so is to get involved in community or volunteer opportunities where they can foster friendships with like-minded individuals.

• Get in the holiday spirit:

If your loved one is not feeling lonely or depressed around the holidays, try doing a fun holiday activity with them to get them into the holiday spirit. This can be as simple as listening to holiday music, watching a favorite holiday movie, baking cookies, or looking at the holiday lights in your neighborhood.

• Talk about it:

Many seniors who feel lonely may be embarrassed to talk about it. Make sure to let your loved one know that it is ok to feel that way and that you are there to listen to them if they want to talk.

• Seek professional help if needed:

If you’ve tried everything mentioned above to help alleviate the loneliness for your senior loved one and they are still showing signs of withdrawing or low spirits, it is crucial that they seek help from a medical professional. A mental health professional can determine if your loved one is suffering from depression and ensure that they get the proper treatment.

Professional Senior Companionship from Assisting Hands Home Care

Social connections are beneficial for people of all ages as being social brings joy and helps keep away feelings of loneliness and depression. However, seniors are especially vulnerable to social isolation due to factors such as distance from family members, health issues, and the loss of their spouse or friends. If you have senior loved ones experiencing loneliness, taking the actions discussed above can help them feel less lonely over the holidays. For seniors who experience social isolation and loneliness year-round, senior companion care may be beneficial.

At Assisting Hands Home Care, we offer senior companion care services that include help with personal care from a licensed caregiver who will also act as their companion. Our companion caregivers will build real personal connections with your loved ones and get to know them through friendly conversation. We will also engage them in their favorite hobbies and activities while taking them on fun, but safe outings to get them out of the house. Our companion care services are ideal for ensuring that your loved ones get the care they need to live safely at home as well as regular, meaningful social companionship.

Assisting Hands Home Care provides senior home care services, including companion care, for seniors in Palm Bay, FL and the surrounding areas in Brevard County. You can call us at (321) 455-5778 for more information about our home care services.