{"id":4841,"date":"2022-11-21T22:35:51","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T03:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onlineseniorcenter.com\/?p=4841"},"modified":"2022-11-29T12:19:07","modified_gmt":"2022-11-29T17:19:07","slug":"holidays-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onlineseniorcenter.com\/resources\/holidays-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"The Holidays and The Senior Adult\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the holidays are fast approaching, many seniors can feel overwhelmed with lots of emotions. Some are joyful, pleasant, and filled with gratitude. However, with more seniors living alone or with no family nearby, it can also be a challenge to stay positive and happy when the holidays are here. Loneliness can lead to feelings of despair, due to reduced social interaction or isolation. This is more prevalent in older adults over 65 with no connection to others<\/a>. Sometimes this happens because of the social demographics around them, such as loved ones passing away, no neighborhood community involvement, or they may not have the mobility to get out to be apart of the holiday season around them. Having holiday activities set in place for seniors is especially important. This can help seniors feel wanted or needed. Being apart of holiday activities, whether with family or within a community can also help them feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Some Seniors Experience Holiday Loneliness<\/h2>\n\n\n
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There could be a variety of reasons why seniors become lonely during the holidays. One may because of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health<\/a> (NIMH), those that are higher risk for depression are socially isolated seniors. Below are three reasons why loneliness sets in during the holidays for seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Missing loved ones: This could be a close friend that has moved away and you no longer talk to, a family member who has passed on, or a combination of both. Whatever it is, the holidays have made you miss them and this has made you feeling sad.<\/li>
  2. Memories of past holidays: This could be pleasant memories of special events, traditions, or the people in your life. Or it may be past memories that was not so pleasant and you want to forget. Whichever it is, these can trigger many emotions that can make a person feeling sad and alone.<\/li>
  3. Feeling social pressure: What you see on social media is usually portrayed as social gatherings of happy and loving individuals with no arguments, no yelling, and no disagreements- this picture of goodness is not always the best image of reality. Things go wrong, food can burn, and friends or family members that don\u2019t show up can cause the holidays to become very stressful for the elderly.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Tips for Reducing Loneliness During the Holidays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Although the holiday season is often filled with joyful events and good memories, it can also cause stress to those living alone. Many seniors may live a great distance from the ones they care about. Some may mourn a loss of a spouse. This season could even be the first time without them. To help cope with this loneliness<\/a>, here are some tips to help reduce loneliness during the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Start your holiday planning early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Plan out a holiday schedule of what needs to be done for next few weeks before the big day arrives. Make sure the majority of the week keeps you busy. Discuss your plans for the holidays with loved ones and close friends. It may also be nice to Invite them over to help plan your holiday as well. If you are alone, then seek out new ways to make meaning memories for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Volunteer whereever and whenever possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Although it is often seniors that need help as they age, many older adults who can still get around and are mobile have a strong desire to help others in need as well. This will not only lesson the feelings of loneliness, it is also nice to help those who are less fortunate than yourself. Many seniors can volunteer in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and retirement homes. Some seniors may also enjoy making animal balloons for children in a pediatric wing of a hospital during the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Join social and community gatherings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the best ways to combat loneliness as a senior is to join social gatherings, especially during the holiday season. You are more than likely will enjoy being around others than home all by yourself. Meet up at coffee shops or libraries, such as a book club. Surround yourself at local events where people you know will be present.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    4. Stay connected to loved ones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    During the pandemic, the only way to stay connected to loved ones safely was virtuality through online. It was sometimes hard to be away from those we care about. Now that most things have got back to normal, staying connected to the ones we love is easier. Especially during the holiday season approaching, seniors should reach out to close family and friends to help with being alone. For those who have family not near, don\u2019t worry. With advanced technology, seniors can now video chat by using skype or Facetime the ones you care about. Even after the holidays, continue to communicate with loved ones and share your experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Invite family and friends over for a fun cooking or baking day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Bake some traditional and seasonal goodies and treats for the family and close friends to enjoy. Have them come over to participate in the cooking\/baking,<\/a> as long it is safe for them to be together in the kitchen. Use seasonal spices in the food, such as gingerbread, apple cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. Decorate the home with holiday decor. For those seniors who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, ask the staff if it would be ok to take your loved one home for the holiday. If not, you can always bring the treats to them so they can still enjoy in the festivities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Celebrating holidays with Seniors in Assisted living facilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The holidays should be fun for all ages, even if your loved ones are living in an assisted living facility. Many people that live in these places feel isolated and alone. Especially if their loved ones do not always are around to visit them. The mental wellbeing of seniors who are alone in these homes can make them feel depressed and isolated. But there are ways for caregivers to reduce their loneliness and make the holidays positive and fun for all in the assisted living home. Here are some good tips to help ease their pain and lift their spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n

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