Reducing Loneliness in Elders around the Holidays
It’s very human to feel that holidays should be happy times, with generations of traditions coming to the forefront. After all, we say we celebrate holidays. Doesn’t that mean happiness? The reality, however, is that many people can feel isolated and lonely during this sometimes forced “season of good will.”
Elders can have an especially hard time with the holiday season. While aging and maturity can bring the wisdom of years for many people, there are inevitable losses that come to even the most healthy individuals. Many of these losses are emotional and social in nature. Spouses become ill or die. Relatives and friends become ill or die, neighborhoods change. Often leaving even those well enough to remain in their own homes feeling friendless and isolated. The holidays can bring this isolation and a feeling of loneliness to a head.
Tips to enhance your elders holidays
- Listen and understand when they talk, even if the talk is negative. Try to put yourself into their place.
- Remind them how important they are as a part of your own celebration and that of the entire family.
- Help them see your trying to simplify the holidays in order to bring back the real meaning of our celebration.
- If your elders are in a facility help the facility find programs featuring children.
- Decorate their home or room in stages, presenting cherished ornaments.
- Spend time with them. This is the most important thing you can do.
