Fighting Senior Loneliness During the Holidays

Comfort Keepers Twin Cities can help reduce senior loneliness during the holidays through our companion care services

Holiday loneliness is a phenomenon that affects many older adults. In fact, according to an AAPR survey, more than 23% of adults over 50 felt lonely during the holiday season. Loneliness can lead to a number of health-related issues for seniors including depression, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, and several other conditions. As the holidays approach, there are many ways you can help your loved one enjoy the season without them feeling isolated. Here are some actionable things you can do to help the senior in your life ce more connected during the holidays and combat feelings of loneliness. 

Include them in Your Holiday Plans

Make sure that you include your senior loved one in your holiday plans. Even if a senior has limited mobility or other health-related ailments, there are plenty of ways to make sure they are included in activities. If your senior loved one is unable to leave the house and you are unable to visit them in person, technology, like Facetime on an iPhone or iPad, can be used as a way to help them remain involved in your plans. Even just calling from a standard phone and passing the phone around to others who can say hello and share their well wishes.

Make time for your loved one because this is time you will never get back. A few activities that are great for seniors during the holidays include sending cards and hand-written notes, decorating, wrapping gifts, watching holiday-themed movies, baking and cooking, virtual parties, and more. The holidays are a time to think outside of the box and make new traditions.

Reminisce about Past Traditions and Memories

Many seniors have fond memories of past holidays, so encourage them to reminisce and talk about them and look at photographs or video footage. Ask them about their favorite Christmas gifts, favorite holiday foods, or what their family did for New Year's Eve when they were kids. If you let your loved one tell you stories of the past, chances are you will also come away from the conversation inspired. Revisiting memories is a great way to inspire joy while working to maintain cognitive health.

Keep your Senior Loved one Connected with Friends and Family

With technology, staying in touch with friends and family has never been easier. Teach your senior loved one how to use technology to maintain relationships. Keep in mind, some seniors struggle to learn how to use technology more than others. If your loved one is comfortable with it, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype and Google can be less-intimidating tools for encouraging face-to-face interaction. 

Avoid Putting too Much Pressure on the Holidays

While it is important to stay connected with your senior loved one during the holiday season, it is also important to consider their feelings and not over-pressure them. Talk to your loved one about the upcoming holiday season and learn more about their comfort level when it comes to being involved in holiday activities. The holiday blues are often temporary and can be caused by many things such as the loss of a loved one, changes in health, or financial concerns. 

Make sure that your loved one is on board before committing them to any plans, it is crucial that they feel included and in control of their time.  

Look Out for Signs of Isolation and Depression

Signs of depression or loneliness can be hard to spot among seniors; especially if they are not vocal about their feelings. Here are a few of the most common warning signs to be aware of. 

A change in eating habits.

One of the first warning signs often associated with social isolation and loneliness is a change in eating habits. According to research, social isolation and loneliness are associated with reduced appetite and lower food intake, potentially leading to malnutrition. If you see a change in your loved ones eating habits, seek medical expertise.

A change is sleeping behavior.

Isolation and loneliness can also impact sleeping behavior. Changes in sleep behavior can sometimes be hard to link to social isolation and loneliness as 46% of adults 65 and older have trouble falling asleep and sleeping well through the night on a regular basis. Keep an eye out for any immediate changes. 

They become irritable more often than usual. 

Another common warning sign of social isolation and loneliness is irritability. Keep an eye out for changes in behavior. 

Final Thoughts...

For many seniors, the holidays are a lonely time of year. But you can help them get through it with the above tips and strategies. Keep in touch and check in consistently and remind them that they're not alone.

Comfort Keepers Twin Cities has deep experience working with families who geographically may not be close in proximity, but explore the idea of in-home companion care services to help ensure that a senior loved one has regular engagement with caring individuals … a Comfort Keeper. Our compassionate staff are also skilled at helping older adults use technology to connect with family far away, participate in local activities, and feel loved, connected and engaged not just during the holidays, but year-round. 

Call Comfort Keepers today to learn more (651) 796-2540