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Helping Seniors Fight Loneliness During the Holidays

November 28, 2020

Loneliness is often experienced by seniors during the holiday season. There are ways to brighten the season for lonely and depressed seniors.

The holiday season can exacerbate seniors’ feelings of loneliness. This can cause health problems and affect their quality of life.

Persistent loneliness can have the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Since loneliness can exacerbate health issues and increase the risk of mortality, it is especially important to combat isolation and feelings of loneliness during the holidays.

Did You Know?

  • 17% of Americans over 65 live alone

  • An estimated 8.8% of seniors in America are chronically lonely

  • Americans between the ages of 57 and 85 have support from an average of only 3.6 people

  • 42% of Americans over 65 have a disability

  • Health, location, impairment, economic status, and even language can impact the risk of isolation

Spot the Signs of Loneliness

Many seniors do not recognize their loneliness or the health problems that feeling lonely can cause. As a result, few will voice their need for additional support. Look for these signs of loneliness among seniors:

  • Under or oversleeping

  • Withdrawal from existing relationships

  • Combativeness or moodiness

  • Depression

  • Lack of appetite

  • Anxiety over change or visitors leaving

  • Lack of interest in normal passions

  • Decreased attention to self-care

Health Risks of Loneliness

Lonliness can increase seniors’ risk of:

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Depression

  • Low immune health

  • Obesity

  • Mortality

How to Brighten the Holidays

During the holidays, many seniors feel particularly lonesome. Nostalgia, memories of lost loved ones, and distance from family can all contribute to the holiday blues. Add cheer to seasonal loneliness with strategies like these (keeping COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions in mind):

  • Display holiday cards and greetings

  • Set up decorations with seniors

  • Help seniors make video calls to loved ones

  • Tune in to festive TV shows and regular radio programs

  • Sign seniors up for at-home visits by carolers or other holiday volunteers

Tips for Fighting Loneliness

Besides holiday-specific methods for combating loneliness, there are many steps seniors can take to reduce social isolation. Seniors can:

  • Get connected with local senior centers

  • Join religious or interest-based groups (many have virtual options during COVID restrictions)

  • Schedule regular phone calls with loved ones

  • Practice letter or card writing, even to pen pals

  • Use technology to connect with distant loved ones

  • Mark social events to look forward to on the calendar

  • Call The Friendship Line at 1-800-971-0016 at any hour to engage in conversation

Home Care Tip

Loneliness is often linked to isolation. Isolation can be a threat to health, but also can increase safety risks. Social workers for seniors can arrange for a variety of services to help address seniors’ needs, including introducing caregivers into the home.

Original Source: ClearCare

 
 

At EPAGA Home Care, our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing care to seniors and those with disabilities, from companionship to 24-hour care.

For more information on how we can assist you or your loved one, please visit our services page at the link below.