Holidays are a time to connect and create memories with family and friends. However, for seniors spending time away from loved ones, holidays can be especially lonely. Holiday loneliness can trigger anxiety and aggravate stress, making it important for caregivers to plan how to keep their elderly loved ones engaged and happy during the holidays.
Here are five easy tips for coping with holiday loneliness for seniors in Grosse Pointe.
Practicing Self-care
Being alone this holiday season can be a great time for persons over the age of 65 to focus on taking special care of themselves. Self-care can improve one's physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost self-esteem. It also protects one's mental health and leads to better relationships. Some self-care habits seniors can do include eating nutritiously, getting enough sleep, exercising, or reading a good book. Other great self-care habits to consider include:
- Relaxing with a warm bath
- Learning something new
- Focusing on a favorite hobby
Reaching Out to Friends
Elderly loved ones who feel isolated this holiday season should be encouraged to make deliberate efforts to reach out to people around them. This doesn't have to be their immediate family or friends. Seniors can exchange friendly words with neighbors or coworkers or call and video chat with old acquaintances.
Focusing on the Present Moment
One of the reasons for holiday loneliness is the unrealistic expectations people attach to this season. With everything splashed on social media nowadays, it is quite easy for seniors to conclude others are having more fun than them. If what they see online puts a lot of pressure on them, they should consider cutting back on social media and focusing their energies on more productive activities. Elderly loved ones should also refrain from comparing their past holiday seasons with the current one. It is advisable that they keep the present in perspective and accept the new changes in their lives.
Spending Time with Other Seniors
Everyone has friends and acquaintances who will be alone this holiday season. For seniors, this can be a fellow resident in the same home or shelter. Reaching out to them can be a great way to cope with holiday loneliness. If possible, the seniors can be encouraged to plan activities that allow for greater interaction with others. Some of the fun activities to enjoy with others include:
- Putting up holiday decorations
- Bonding through baking and cooking
- Watching holiday-themed movies
- Exchanging gifts
- Playing fun holiday games
Have a Great Holiday Season, No Matter the Situation
The holiday season is upon us once again. For some, it means spending fun time with family and friends. But for many, including seniors in Grosse Pointe, it is easy to feel lonely spending the holidays alone, especially if this is their first time to do so. However, holidays don't have to be a sad, lonely affair. There are several things the family and caregivers can do to ensure their elderly loved ones enjoy the holidays and have memorable experiences.
If seniors need help to overcome loneliness this holiday season, the compassionate and kind caregivers from Senior Helpers are ready to assist. Senior Helpers provide specialized care for senior clients in Grosse Pointe, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Macomb County, and Roseville who need daily assistance, including those with Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, and other chronic diseases. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.