Helping Older Adults Feel Less Isolated and Lonely this Holiday Season
By: Alyssa Brierley, Executive Director, NIA, and Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Health Policy Research, NIA
Also published on Simcoe.com
The holidays can bring up a range of emotions for many of us and especially older persons during the holiday season. Whether it is reminiscing about a partner, relative or friend who passed, or being away from children or loved ones, the holidays can increase feelings of loneliness, especially among older adults.
Earlier this month, the National Institute on Ageing launched a new report, to better understand the factors driving the growing epidemic of social isolation and loneliness among older Canadians. The report found as many as 41 per cent of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation and up to 58 per cent have experienced loneliness before.
Preventing holiday loneliness and isolation involves both practical and emotional support. Here are five ways to increase social interaction and make older adults you know feel more appreciated and included this holiday season and beyond.
Encourage social engagement and activities
Many gathering places for older adults like local libraries and gyms are closed over the holidays. Stopping in for a visit or rotating visits with friends and family can help older adults you know feel more connected and supported over the holidays.
Share a meal, watch a movie, or learn how to make a family recipe that has been passed down over time with older people you know. While the holidays are a busy time, include older adults in your plans. Sometimes, the simple act of being there and showing genuine interest in another person can alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Send cards and letters
While most of our communications are sent over email, a handwritten card or letter can convey warmth and thoughtfulness. Send a card or encourage others in the community to send holiday greetings as well.
Provide transportation supports
While public transit or ride-sharing services can help older adults in urban centres travel to errands and appointments, those in more rural communities may not have access to the same services. Providing transportation not only assists with daily errands, it allows older adults to visit with others and connect with their communities. This holiday season, consider offering assistance with transportation to events or activities for an older person you know, especially if mobility is a challenge.
Help leverage technology to stay connected
Virtual communication solutions can be set up for older adults to make connecting with friends and loved ones easier online. You can help set up a group chat or help download a messaging app to allow for a quick video call. Technology can help provide an older person with a valued window into the lives of family and friends that they care about even when they are far away.
Help create a festive atmosphere
Bring over a traditional holiday meal to an older person you know. The smells of the holidays can be particularly comforting during the holiday season. Offer to decorate to provide a sense of celebration in their homes. A little festivity helps warm the home and the spirit.
Stay connected and healthy this holiday season.
These five tips can go a long way to brighten the holiday season and reduce loneliness and self isolation. Take the take time out of your busy holiday schedule to visit and connect with older adults you know in their homes or invite them to yours. These small gestures can make a big impact for people both young and old and will help provide meaningful connections for those who need it most.
Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season.