For many older adults, the holidays can be a time of loneliness, sadness, or isolation. Maybe their family lives in a different city, or perhaps children and grandchildren are spending the holidays with the other side of their family. The holidays can also be melancholic if their spouse has passed away or they’re reminded of other important people who have passed on.
Whatever the reason, many older adults can find the holidays to be a difficult time. As a nurse and the Executive Director at Prestige Senior Living Mira Loma, I have a lot of interaction with seniors. With that in mind, I wanted to offer some advice to both older adults and their families during the upcoming holiday season.
Advice For Older Adults to Prevent Holiday Loneliness
Find ways to be with others
If you can’t celebrate with your family but still want to be around others, there are options to get out and celebrate the day or give back. Consider attending services at a place of worship or volunteering with a community organization.
Make it a special day!
Even if you’re spending it alone, don’t treat Christmas or Hanukkah like any regular day – head out to the grocery store days in advance to either pick up ingredients for a nice dinner or a ready-made holiday meal. Have ready a book or movie (or both) that you’ve been waiting a while to take in. Celebrate in your own way!
Reach out to old friends or acquaintances
In addition to your family, use the holidays as a reason to catch up with old friends or acquaintances. Write some personal notes in the holiday cards you send. If you’re on Facebook, use the Messenger feature to wish people well over the holidays. You never know who could use a kind word!
Enjoy some nostalgia
No, things may not be like they were when you were younger. But this is a time to remember what made the holidays special for you in the first place. Maybe it’s watching your favorite holiday movie, putting together a scrapbook, or playing Christmas carols. If it makes you smile, do it!
Advice For Family Members to Help Their Loved Ones
Stay connected
Even if you can’t be together in person, a phone call or FaceTime can help a loved one remain an important part of the day. If FaceTime is possible, and your loved one sends presents to your kids, ask them to open those gifts during a FaceTime call so your loved one can see their reactions.
Embrace traditions
A major cause of sadness in older adults during the holidays can be the loss of traditions. It can be difficult if the holidays don’t resemble what they grew up with. Talk to older loved ones and find out if there are any treasured traditions that may have fallen by the wayside they’d like to bring back.
Eat and drink responsibly
Yes, it’s the holidays, and everyone indulges a little – there’s nothing wrong with some holiday cookies, after all. However, overeating or excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate underlying issues an older adult might be experiencing. It’s particularly important if they have health concerns tied to their diet. Do your best to ensure they’re staying on track while celebrating.
Talk it out
If your loved one seems a bit down, sit down with them and open the lines of communication about how they’re really feeling. Many older adults struggle to start that conversation but find that doing so can really help. Even if you don’t sense any issues, you never know what might be lurking under the surface if you pose the question.
At Prestige Senior Living at Mira Loma, this is our favorite time of year as we embrace the spirit of the season and create a festive atmosphere to bring joy and togetherness to our communities.
We host holiday-themed events and celebrate as our residents enjoy the best life has to offer with a varied activity calendar, restaurant-quality dining, and an emphasis on building social bonds and friendships.
Guests and their loved ones are always welcome to stop by for a tour and learn more about how we celebrate the holidays and about all our programming. Until then, Happy Holidays!
This is a time to remember what made the holidays special for you in the first place.