How to Combat Loneliness Among Senior Citizens During the Holiday Season

The holiday season includes celebrations, fun, family, and friends. Yet, while the season brings joy to many people, to some, it makes them lonely. In this article, we highlight the effective ways of combating loneliness in seniors during the holiday season.

Some of the tips include:

Prioritize Communication and Focus on Their Emotions

Some senior citizens spend days without speaking to anyone for various reasons. Spending time with senior loved ones physically is the best way to prevent them from being lonely. However, if you cannot be physically present during the holiday season, communicate with them whenever you can.

You can achieve effective communication through video calls, Skype, as well as other communication means. Prioritize talking to the elderly before, during, and after the holiday season, so they do not feel forgotten and depressed. You can also encourage other loved ones to communicate with them as much as they can.

When communicating with seniors, paying attention to their concerns and emotions is important. Focus on what they tell you and address their concern. This can help improve their emotional and psychological state.

Encourage and Facilitate Them to Attend Social Activities

Social interactions during the festive season make people happy, including the senior members of society. Encourage the elderly to attend religious activities and other social events nearby to meet people their age and other people. Wherever they live, there are holiday activities for seniors to attend. Interacting with others is therapeutic and helps them avoid loneliness during the holiday season. You can organize transportation and someone to accompany them so that they can feel at ease and enjoy their time out. If you can, spare time and accompany them to the activities or events.  

Capitalize on Their Hobbies and Interests

Find out what your senior loved ones enjoy doing as a hobby or for fun. This can help you to gift them accordingly. You can also ask them if they would love to do some activities during the holiday season. Making them feel involved has a great positive impact on their emotional and psychological state.

If they love reading, help them to join a book club near where they live. This way, seniors can feel happy enjoying what they love during holidays.

Plan a Family Visit

If an elderly loved one lives far away, holidays are a good time for family to enjoy some time together. Spend ample time with the senior loved one during holidays, telling stories and listening to them. Share meals and engage in fun activities seniors like doing.  

Get Professional Help for Your Elderly Loved One This Season

Many senior citizens spend a lot of time alone during holidays, making them feel lonely. Senior Helpers of Brevard County offers reliable in-home care services for your loved ones in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Rockledge, Titusville, Orlando, Cape Canaveral, and Cocoa. Our trained caregivers can help fight loneliness in seniors during the holiday season.

Contact us for more information about our services.