The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy and excitement, but they can also stir up feelings of loneliness and isolation. For many older adults, physical limitations, financial burdens, and memories of passed loved ones can make the season feel more daunting than cheerful.
If holiday loneliness feels overwhelming this year, remember—If holiday loneliness feels overwhelming this year, remember—you are not alone.. In this article, we’ll give you a few tips to help reignite your sense of holiday wonder and prioritize your senior mental health this season.
Why holiday loneliness is so prevalent
Many factors make senior loneliness widespread during the holiday season:
- Limited physical mobility can make it harder to shop, visit family, buy groceries, or celebrate the way you used to.
- You might be reflecting on memories of the past, feeling the absence of loved ones no longer with us.
- The financial strain of holiday shopping can put undue stress on your budget.
- Hearing and vision loss or other chronic illnesses can make holiday get-togethers overwhelming and hard to navigate.
Loneliness and social isolation are considered “social determinants of health.” Loneliness puts aging adults at risk of poor health and early death. In fact, the health risks of senior loneliness are equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
But holiday loneliness doesn’t have to be a detriment to your health. Research shows that staying socially connected can decrease mortality risk by as much as 50%. So, let’s explore some ways to beat holiday loneliness and safeguard your senior mental health through the season.
1. Enjoy your favorite hobbies.
One of the best ways to ward off holiday loneliness is by staying busy with activities that bring you joy. The holidays give you extra time to indulge in your favorite hobbies, like knitting, painting, or baking.
These activities can be particularly rewarding if you turn them into gifts! Baked goods, homemade crafts, or knitted items are thoughtful presents for family, friends, or local social services like the police and fire departments. This fosters a sense of connection to the community and builds strong social support throughout the season.
2. Take control of your finances.
The pressure to spend money during the holiday season can feel overwhelming. Setting a budget before starting your holiday shopping helps reduce financial stress and prioritize senior mental health. Create a solid plan for buying gifts and décor – and stick to it. By taking control of your finances, you'll stress less and focus more on the joy and togetherness of the season.
3. Participate in your favorite holiday traditions.
One of the best ways to rekindle the holiday spirit is to engage in your favorite traditions. Bake your favorite cookies, watch classic holiday movies, or dance to festive music. You can also enlist family or friends to help decorate your home, wrap presents, or drive around to look at Christmas lights. Enjoying your favorite traditions can ease holiday loneliness by lifting your mood and reminding you of the joy of the season.
4. Combat senior loneliness by staying social.
Staying connected with loved ones is crucial for senior mental health during the holidays. Consider planning small gatherings with friends and family, like a cookie-decorating party or a cozy holiday movie night with hot cocoa. These small but meaningful interactions can make a big difference in reducing holiday loneliness.
Even if you can’t physically be with family and friends, technology offers many ways to stay in touch. Video calls, phone calls, holiday cards, and even simple text messages can make a big difference in helping you feel less isolated.
Let your family know how much these interactions mean to you. They might not realize how important a simple visit or call can be in reducing holiday loneliness.
5. Go for a walk.
Exercise is a proven way to fend off anxiety and depression. Even a short walk around your neighborhood can lift your spirits and improve your mood. If it’s too cold outside, consider joining an online fitness class or practicing chair yoga indoors. The endorphins from exercise help combat feelings of senior loneliness in a way that’s healthy for mind, body, and spirit.
GoGoGrandparent offers chair yoga, strength training, functional fitness, and meditation videos on YouTube, so you can stay active from the comfort and warmth of your home! Check out our videos here to get started.
6. Try meditation.
If you need of a moment of peace amid the hectic craziness of the season, consider meditation. Meditation can help calm your mind, ease stress, and alleviate feelings of holiday loneliness. Whether it’s a five-minute breathing exercise or a guided meditation, taking time for mindfulness and gratitude can improve your senior mental health and help you navigate the holiday season with a clearer, happier mind.
7. Reflect on joyful memories.
The holidays often bring up memories of the past, which can be bittersweet. Feeling sad about what has changed or who you’ve lost can seriously affect senior mental health. Instead, try to reminisce on your favorite happy holiday memories. Take time to reflect on the joyful moments you've experienced and the people who have touched your life. You could even use this time to create a scrapbook or photo album of your favorite holiday memories you can look back on each year.
8. Don’t be afraid to grieve.
That said, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss during the holidays, especially if you’re missing loved ones who have passed away. Allow yourself to grieve, and find ways to honor their memory in a way that brings you comfort. Light a candle, say a prayer, visit their grave, or dedicate an activity or tradition in their honor. Acknowledging your feelings is an important step in overcoming holiday loneliness, and finding ways to move forward is key to preserving your mental health.
9. Seek professional help.
If you’re experiencing feelings of senior loneliness or depression, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talking about your feelings with a friend, family member, or licensed professional can help provide emotional support to address your stress. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it’s the most effective way to preserve senior mental health through the holiday season.
10. Use GoGoGrandparent to ease stress.
A lot of holiday stress comes from the hustle and bustle of grocery shopping, meal preparation, navigating crowded stores, lifting heavy bags, and dealing with holiday traffic. These tasks can quickly become overwhelming, especially for seniors with mobility concerns. But you can skip the stress with GoGoGrandparent’s services like rides, food and grocery delivery, and pharmacy delivery. Instead of battling the holiday rush, you can spend that time focusing on what really matters – relaxing, staying connected, and enjoying the season with loved ones.
Click here to learn more about how GoGoGrandparent makes the holiday season easier for seniors.
Combatting senior loneliness during the holidays
The holiday season doesn’t have to be lonely. By taking steps to stay social, participate in your favorite hobbies and traditions, take moments for yourself, and seek professional help, you can combat holiday loneliness and find joy in the season.
Senior mental health is important. You matter – to your loved ones, your community, and beyond. Focus on what brings you joy and connection this holiday season.
Register for GoGoGrandparent’s services to make your holidays stress-free with our rides, home services, and delivery options.
