The holiday season is a time of joy for many, but for others, it can be when they feel even more lonely. That’s why each of us needs to be mindful of our seniors and others we may identify as socially isolated. There is usually a lot of warmth and understanding during this Christmas season. Still, for them, a sad holiday season could lead to depression. In addition, studies show that loneliness and social isolation are linked to an increased risk of severe health problems, such as heart disease and cognitive decline.
Typically, social isolation and loneliness can increase during this time because people can:
- have very high expectations of what Christmas should be.
- feel compelled to socialize more than usual.
- have higher expenses and, therefore, financial worries.
- some gatherings may generate stress.
- feel nostalgic for those they have lost.
- listen to friends and or see on social networks how other people get together with family and friends and they do not.
During Christmas, there is a greater awareness of the meaning of the dates; people are not lonelier than the rest of the year; only memories and feelings of nostalgia are intensified, and emotional vulnerability increases, especially in older adults. Now let us reflect on the many ways to give an elderly adult company, joy, and health.
The good news is that, with greater awareness, we can take steps to maintain and strengthen ties with these people. Connecting with friends, family and loved ones is one of the best and most comforting feelings. It is also a strategy to combat social isolation and loneliness, helping to maintain better physical and mental health. The important thing is to understand the value of integrating seniors into Christmas.
To identify people who may be lonely, you can assess whether they have one or more of these circumstances: they live alone without friends, family, or a support network nearby; their housing is remote or unsafe; they lack transportation; or they have limited mobility.
This holiday season, give them time and invite others to do the same. We encourage you to share with them:
- Move: exercise decreases stress, improves mood, and increases energy. They can take a walk.
- Connect: schedule time often to communicate in person, by phone, email, video chat or social networking.
- Enjoy: Share hobbies such as doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, cooking, or gardening.
- Learn: you can take a cooking, crafts, or floristry class together.
- Go out: you can go to the movies, for a snack or to the mall.
- Participate in activities advertised at the mall, in your building or development, or in town squares.
- If there are children, include them in this sharing so they learn from a young age to value the elderly and dedicate time to them.
In addition, some situations that the older adult is going through may be related to depression, and it may help you to identify their moods, such as sadness, anger, or frustration for weeks or a prolonged period. These reactions may be caused by:
- Moving loved ones.
- Relocation from the home they were used to.
- Pain or new conditions.
- Lack of mobility and agility.
- Loss or death of spouse or close family members.
- Suffering from any disease or condition that physically leads to depression, such as dementia, thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s, cancer, or heart disease.
For many elderly adults, important dates such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day may be the only days of the year when they can feel part of a family, share their feelings and emotions with loved ones, or better yet with people to whom they have dedicated most of their lives. It is the responsibility of all of us to prevent loneliness, fear, and depression from hurting our loved ones, not only at this time but all year long.
