How to Help Seniors Combat Loneliness During the Holidays
Written by TYE Medical on Dec 11th 2023
Aging isn’t comfortable or easy, and it brings a host of challenging circumstances that often trigger loneliness in seniors. Meanwhile, they face an onslaught of pressure to embrace “holiday cheer” and “have a holly jolly Christmas”. But you might notice that all the trappings, superficial traditions, and expectations only drive your loved one further from the holiday joy they deeply desire. But there are ways you can come alongside your senior and make the holiday season a bit brighter and even ways to connect with them. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Why Seniors Feel Lonely During the Holidays
One of the most difficult challenges of aging is the loss of family and friends as they succumb to illness and pass on. This repeated sense of loss, as one-by-one loved ones slip away can begin to take a toll and bring a sense of isolation.
Additionally, they’re noticing a continual drop in their own energy levels and mobility. They might not feel as social or be comfortable in social settings that they once enjoyed. This magnifies the loneliness they’re already feeling. They can begin to feel disconnected from the world.
But you can take steps to help the senior in your life enjoy the holidays. It might require a rearranging of plans and traditions. Consider all adjustments and accommodations as a gift to your loved one. If your senior has dementia, read our article, 11 Holiday Tips for Dementia Caregivers.
Practice Active Listening
Seniors can begin to feel irrelevant, marginalized, and unheard. We live in a society that elevates youth and downgrades the elderly rather than honoring them for their higher level of experience and practical wisdom.
As you spend time with your aging loved one this holiday season, set aside times of active listening. This means your focus is on them alone. Invite them to talk and listen carefully as they share, even when it's negative. Nodding, making eye contact, and asking appropriate questions at the right time are great ways to show that you are genuinely listening to them. As you listen, you might even realize other ways to lift their spirits.
Seek Friends of Like Faith
If your parent or loved one is part of a church or religious organization, you can enlist their help. Many churches have ministries that reach out and care for the elderly or sick. Often deacons and their families, pastors, and lay church members organize to be a source of support for the aging and those who can no longer attend services. Your loved one’s church may arrange for one or several congregants to visit with them regularly. This can be an enormous encouragement to a senior dealing with loneliness, especially during the holiday season.
Decorate for the Holidays
Decorating for the holiday season is a beloved tradition that many seniors are accustomed to and enjoy. But your loved one might not have the same motivation as they once did. Physical challenges and their battle with loneliness can keep them from making an effort to be festive.
But you can help them keep this mood-lifting tradition alive when you climb into the attic and bring down boxes of cheerful and sentimental decorations to bring their home alive. Ask for input to engage them in the process and draw them out of their shell. As you unpack ornaments or memorabilia, ask for the story behind them. This will allow your loved one to reflect on past holidays and cherished memories that can be healing and brings moments of joy.
It’s best not to go overboard with the decorations. You don’t want to trigger feelings of being overwhelmed or create more work when it’s time to pack things away. Be sure this holiday tradition is enjoyable and not stressful.
Bake with Them
Baking is a practical way to spend time with your aging family member while engaging in a traditional activity that can bring good memories. Ask them to share their favorite traditional holiday treats and make what you can together. If your father isn’t much of a baker, he can be your sous-chef and assist you. The point is that you’re spending time together, talking, and get to enjoy a bit of tradition in the end. This can really help to lift your senior out of loneliness and make your holiday special for both of you.
Keeping Holidays Simple for Seniors
What your aging parent really wants is quality time with you, even if they don’t know how to express it. Whether you're actively listening, decorating, or baking with them, companionship and connection is what you’re really giving them. But don’t stop here. If your senior loves to put puzzles together, then make that a priority as you visit and talk. Find something they enjoy that will also allow you to connect and make a point to do it during your time together. And enlist the help of faith-based friends to be an additional encouragement to your seniors, especially if you can't be with them.
