‘Tis the holiday season, a joyful time of family, celebration, and excitement for many. However, despite what the Christmas carols may say, the holidays can be a lonely and isolating time for seniors.
Why can the holidays feel lonely? Some seniors may have fewer loved ones around them than they have at any other time in their lives. Perhaps their children and grandchildren are grown and living far away. Or perhaps they recently moved into a senior living community and don’t feel very connected yet. They may even have recently lost their spouse or another close loved one. Mobility issues can make holiday travel complicated too.
It’s not uncommon for seniors to feel more isolated than usual during the holidays. But there are ways to cope with loneliness and create community. It’s important for seniors (and people of any age, for that matter!) to be socially active and feel connected with those around them, and not just during the holidays! Let’s explore the negative impact of loneliness and how you can create community at any age.
Why Loneliness Is Bad for Seniors
Isolation is unhealthy for seniors in a number of ways. The feelings of loneliness can lead to many different mental health struggles such as depression, and the idea of being social can add stress and anxiety if they get too used to being alone. This makes it even more difficult for seniors to socialize, starting a downward spiral where isolation is the unhappy norm.
Isolation and loneliness can have negative effects on senior health and wellness, leading to conditions like:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Significant weight gain or even obesity
- Cognitive decline
- Memory loss illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease
- And a weakened immune system
During the holidays, these feelings of loneliness and isolation are even more common for seniors. In the United States, 27% of adults over the age of 65 live alone. That’s more than any other country in the world! With more than half of Americans feeling lonely during the holidays—a feeling that is much more common for people living alone—it’s no wonder so many seniors struggle with feeling isolated at what should be the most wonderful time of the year!
How to Feel Less Lonely During the Holiday Season (and Beyond)
If you or a loved one are feeling lonely during the holiday season, here are some ideas to help you find a sense of purpose and have a genuinely happy holiday:
1. Reach Out to Loved Ones
Rather than waiting for your friends and family to contact you, be proactive! Give your loved ones a call during the holidays, and maybe even make plans to meet up or invite them to come visit you. Odds are they could be feeling lonely as well and would welcome the chance to spend time with you! If they’re far away, try a video call. It’s the closest thing to being in the same room!
If you have a loved one in senior living or who lives alone, make an effort to reach out to them this holiday season. They may be feeling lonely right now, even if they don’t show it, and writing letters, calling to chat, or going to visit them are simple ways to show your support and love.
2. Build New Friendships
If you don’t have any loved ones nearby, make new ones! There are over 300,000 older adults (age 65+) living in Kansas City, and many of them are probably feeling just as lonely as you are. Look for opportunities to connect with them and make brand new friends for the holidays.
Feel intimidated? Don’t be! Remember that every resident was new at one point! You never know how meaningful a friendship may become.
If you’re in a senior living community, this is easier than you might think! Join a table of other residents at dinner, try a group fitness class, or keep up with the activities calendar to find out what new things are happening where you can socialize.
3. Connect with Your Community
Remaining active in your local community can give you a sense of purpose and belonging, especially during the holidays. Here are a few ideas for getting involved in Kansas City this year:
- Sign up for the Holiday Heroes program
- Ring a bell for the Salvation Army
- Invite friends to join you in cooking a meal for families at Ronald McDonald House
4. Practice Gratitude
Intentionally focusing on what we’re thankful for can make a huge difference in anyone’s mental health and positivity. There is always so much to be grateful for, even if it’s simply a roof over your head and food to eat. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you to be mindful of all the good things you have each day, and can even help you feel more socially bonded with those around you!
5. Bring Home a Furry Companion
Did you know that there are several health benefits of pets for seniors? That’s why we welcome residents at St. Anthony’s to bring their fur babies with them when they move in! Having a pet can go a long way toward making you feel loved and cared for. Their unconditional joy and happiness to be with you can be a bright light in a lonely season. Plus, you’ll need to take them out for walks or to go to the bathroom which gets you moving and out of the apartment regularly. Who knows, you might even meet a fellow pet owner while out on your morning stroll and become fast friends!
6. Find Purpose in the Quiet Moments
While we don’t want you to feel lonely, there’s nothing wrong with a healthy dose of alone time! When you do have these calm days by yourself, try to avoid sedentary activities like watching TV or scrolling social media. Use this time to be active and do things you love! Get back into knitting or baking, write letters to friends, read a book, work on that gratitude journal—make your time alone purposeful so it doesn’t feel quite so lonely.
7. Connect with your Spirituality
One of the most significant ways to ease loneliness is to remember that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. At St. Anthony’s, we are a faith-based senior living community, and people of all faiths are welcome. We have regular Catholic mass, as well as Bible studies. Spirituality and faith can be a joyful, significant way to ease loneliness and remember what matters most.
Join Our Family for the Holidays!
If you’re looking for a place to call home where you won’t be isolated this holiday season, we’d love to invite you to join the St. Anthony’s Senior Living community! With luxurious amenities, a thriving social calendar, and all the care you need readily available, live in comfort and joy every holiday season in this loving community of seniors. Contact us today to schedule a tour!
