Its December, and the holiday season is in full swing. Its the time of year for good food, and good friends and family at least for most of us. The reality, however, is that many people feel increasingly isolated and unhappy during this season of goodwill, and elders can have an especially hard time.
A person doesnt have to live alone to feel lonely. Loneliness can affect anyone who doesnt feel meaningful connections with other people.
While aging can bring wisdom and experience, there are inevitable losses that even the healthiest seniors face. Loved ones and friends fall ill and pass away. Loss of energy and decreases in mobility can result in feelings of lost independence and opportunities. Making the trip to out-of-town family functions may be less inviting. The focus on family, friends and togetherness during this time of year can actually bring downhearted feelings to the forefront for many elders.
Consider these three tips to help tackle loneliness and protect the mental health of an older loved one this holiday season.
Make communication a priority. Make a point to be an active listener, whether through an in-person conversation or using a device. If you cant see each other around the holidays, talking on the phone or video chatting over the internet (if the technology is available) can make a world of difference.
Dont feel restricted to small talk. Ask for advice or let them tell the story behind certain comments. Older adults have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
Remind them how important they are to you and your familys lives. An empathetic conversation can also help assess if something is bothering them or if they are coming to terms with new challenges in their life.
Encourage social activities. Local senior centers or places of faith, like church, are great places for individuals of all ages to meet like-minded people and find opportunities for group activities. Additionally, taking in school programs and activities can be very uplifting for elders, especially if they feature younger family members.
Remember family traditions. Certain holiday traditions are unique to each family and are what make family units special. If decorating for the holidays is important to your elder loved one and they are not able to do that for themselves now, see what can be done to make some of that happen. Traditions often include special foods. If they reside in an assisted living facility or nursing home, consider bringing in favorite treats to enjoy and share with their friends. Relish the stories and reflections that may accompany these traditions.
The most important thing you can do for an elder loved one is to make them feel loved and included this season. Most often that means some time on your part. If you are able to be with them in person, look at family photos, watch home videos or holiday movies, listen to seasonal music, or do hobbies together. Regardless of what you decide to do together, any time you can spare is a precious gift.
