The holidays are not the most wonderful time of the year for many people, especially seniors. The U.S. Department of Health found that forty-three percent of seniors report feeling lonely regularly – during the holidays, those feelings of loneliness may be amplified.
Many seniors get the “holiday blues.” Some feel socially isolated because friends or family members may have moved or passed away, leaving a void in their lives. Going to parties alone and physical limitations, such as vision and mobility problems, also contribute to many seniors staying home alone during the holidays.
How can you help a senior stay emotionally and socially connected during the holidays? Here are six tips to help.
Tip #1 – Communicate Frequently
Nothing beats an in-person visit, but technology and the postal service can keep you connected. Video chats can help you stay in close contact with them, as can e-mails or texts. Encourage them to catch up with family and friends on Facebook or other social media platforms. And, receiving a greeting card with a note during the holidays always brightens up a senior’s day.
Tip #2 – Encourage Them to Participate in a Hobby
Do they have a hobby or two they haven’t been enjoying lately? Book clubs, sewing circles, and adult education are great ways to spark their interest again and meet people with similar interests.
Tip #3 – Get Physical
If the senior in your life is mobile, take a nice, leisurely walk together. If they’re not, help them find and join an online fitness class, like chair yoga or light impact aerobic exercises. Exercise helps get endorphins flowing and gets their mind in a better place.
Tip #4 – Catch the Holiday Spirit
Help your senior catch the holiday spirit. Traditional ways you can get them feeling cheerful are:
- Baking cookies
- Putting on some holiday music
- Watching favorite holiday movies
- Going to see lights in the neighborhood
- Visiting a place of worship
These are all easy things you can do together, and it will brighten up your holidays, too!
Tip #5 – Let Them Talk
Seniors are more likely to experience depression than other age groups, but they’re the least likely to seek help for it. Let them know it’s okay to feel lonely and that it’s okay to talk about it. Reassure them that you’re there for them. Often talking about it helps them process their feelings.
Tip #6 – Spend Time Together
Perhaps, the nicest gift you can give a senior is the gift of your time. It’s easy for us to get caught up in our own shopping, parties, and other holiday traditions, but don’t forget to spend time with your loved one. Your time together is irreplaceable and creates memories that you’ll keep for a lifetime.
If you can’t spend time together because of distance or other reasons, companionship care from Assisting Hands Home Care is an excellent alternative. Our carefully screened, professional caregivers provide compassionate companionship to seniors; it’s a big reason they entered the caregiver profession.
Our Caregivers Are Here to Help Seniors Dealing With Loneliness and Depression During the Holidays
If your loved one resides in a community in Bedford, Winchester, Concord, or Northwest Boston, call us today, or feel free to ask us a question online. We’ll respond promptly and chat with you about your needs and our services to see if we’re a match.
All of us at Assisting Hands Home Care Boston Northwest wish you and yours a very happy holiday season.
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