Senior Living Blog by UMH | social isolation

Holiday Humbug: Combating Senior Isolation During the Holiday Season

By: Marissa Salvesen December 12th, 2024

Twinkling lights bring gaiety to quiet neighborhood streets. Decorations adorn local shops in all shades of reds and greens. The scent of frost and peppermint fills the air. For many, the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. For others, however, the holidays come with mixed emotions. Seniors and their caregivers alike can struggle with stress during the holiday season. For caregivers already navigating a complex balance of work, life, and caring for a senior loved one, the holidays can add unnecessary frustration and unwanted pressure in the form of added responsibilities, lengthy to-do lists, and caregiver burnout. For seniors, the holidays can create or amplify feelings of anxiety, discouragement, and grief. Memories of Yuletides past can be a painful reminder of the family and friends that are no longer here and can highlight the physical challenges and changes that have come with aging. Many older adults also struggle with social isolation and loneliness, which can be intensified by the cultural emphasis on companionship during the holidays. This can especially be true of older adults who are physically and/or emotionally distant from their loved ones, live alone, lack reliable transportation, have lost a spouse or close friends, or are homebound. Combating social isolation and feelings of loneliness, especially among older seniors, cannot be overstated. In addition to affecting emotional and mental well-being, these feelings can significantly impact a person’s physical health and longevity. With the holiday season underway, we have examined a few of these health impacts and offered ways to help alleviate the isolation and loneliness an aging loved one may experience during this time of year. Read on to learn more.

All posts