The holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends. Many older adults love the holidays because they bring great comfort, belonging, and companionship. But older adults are more prone to feeling isolated once the holiday season is over. Luckily, there are a few ways seniors can combat this feeling this year.
Senior Helpers Fort Smith is a premier in-home care provider serving the areas of Ozark, Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, and Scott counties. Today we're going to share a few tactics seniors can try if they suddenly feel isolated after the holiday season.
4 Ways to Combat Isolation After the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for others to come together. But once the holidays are over, isolation tends to kick in for seniors. Here are four ways to alleviate this feeling:
Stay Active
Are you worried about feeling lonely after the holidays? A great way to combat this is to stay active. Maintaining a good level of physical activity is essential for older adults, but it's also a great way to avoid falling into an isolation slump. Simple activities, such as going for a walk in your area or swimming at your local gym, are a great way to get out of the house and surround yourself with others.
Prioritize Communication
Often, isolation occurs because we don't prioritize communicating with others. With that said, try to make time throughout the day to communicate with your loved ones. Even if you're unable to get out of the house, a simple phone call to hear your loved one's voice or video chatting can provide you with a sense of community.
Take Up a New Hobby
Another effective way to deal with isolation after the holidays is to take up a new hobby. Sitting in isolation can make the feeling grow stronger. Trying out a new hobby is a great way to get involved, learn something new, and stay busy.
The good news is that you can try many types of hobbies, from crocheting, scrapbooking, photography, gardening, and more. Make a list of activities that you're interested in and give one a try.
Engage in New Social Activities
The key to breaking isolation is getting social with others. Try to engage in local social activities to meet people and explore your interests. Several activities are going on in your area. A few things to consider are activities through your local senior center or gym and visiting a church, temple, or mosque if you're religious.
Specialized Care for Seniors in Fort Smith
Isolation after the holiday season is something that many older adults worry about. The key to breaking the feelings of isolation is engaging in new practices that will enable you to feel a sense of community long after the holidays. Senior Helpers Fort Smith provides in-home and specialized care for seniors in Ozark, Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, and Scott counties. Contact us to learn more.