{"id":4436,"date":"2021-12-20T16:49:52","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T20:49:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/125\/?p=4436"},"modified":"2023-10-25T12:30:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T16:30:36","slug":"help-seniors-with-loneliness-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/68\/bostonnw\/massachusetts\/blog\/help-seniors-with-loneliness-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Help Seniors With Feelings of Loneliness During the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2013 during the holidays, those feelings of loneliness may be amplified.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Many seniors get the \u201choliday blues.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

How can you help a senior stay emotionally and socially connected during the holidays? Here are six tips to help.<\/p>\n

Tip #1 – Communicate Frequently<\/h2>\n

Nothing beats an in-person visit, but technology<\/a> 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\u2019s day.<\/p>\n

Tip #2 – Encourage Them to Participate in a Hobby<\/h2>\n

Do they have a hobby or two they haven\u2019t been enjoying lately? Book clubs, sewing circles, and adult education are great ways to spark their interest again and meet people with similar interests.<\/p>\n

Tip #3 – Get Physical<\/h2>\n

If the senior in your life is mobile, take a nice, leisurely walk together. If they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Tip #4 – Catch the Holiday Spirit<\/h2>\n

Help your senior catch the holiday spirit. Traditional ways you can get them feeling cheerful are:<\/p>\n