Discover practical tips for helping older adults navigate the festive season, a time that may bring loneliness and highlight losses. Learn how offering time, having open discussions, celebrating traditions, starting new activities, and acknowledging their experiences can positively impact their physical, psychological, and social well-being.
The festive season should be a time of joy for all, irrespective of religious beliefs or choices. However, for older adults, this period can often evoke feelings of loneliness and emphasize losses they may have experienced over the years. The heightened sense of connection during these weeks can amplify the impact on their physical, psychological, and social health.
Losses, whether of loved ones or health, may weigh heavily on older adults, making the festive season particularly challenging. The season’s emphasis on togetherness can magnify feelings of loneliness and isolation, negatively affecting their overall well-being. Lack of interaction during these weeks can exacerbate the impact, creating a significant challenge for older adults.
Those who no longer receive holiday cards or experience isolation may feel an increased sense of sadness and loneliness. Physical limitations may make it challenging for older adults to engage in simple yet meaningful activities, like enjoying festive decorations and music in stores. The absence of such experiences can heighten their sense of missing out on the joys others are experiencing.
So, how can you support older adults during this season? If you notice an older adult feeling lonely or sadder than usual:
Offer Your Time
Make time for them in your busy schedule. Your presence and attention can go a long way in helping them feel connected and cared for.
Have an Open Discussion
Initiate a conversation about their needs, concerns, and worries. Understanding their feelings is essential for providing meaningful support.
Celebrate Traditions
Help them continue their festive season traditions, offering a sense of continuity and connection to past experiences.
Start New Traditions
Introduce new activities to bring excitement and variety to their lives, creating new positive experiences.
Acknowledge Their Presence
Simply acknowledging their presence, losses, and life changes can make a significant difference. Ensure they feel seen and heard.
In conclusion, making a conscious effort to support older adults during the festive season can enhance their overall well-being. Let’s create an environment where they can enjoy the nuances of this special time. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful festive season and a joyful new year.
Yaser Teebi works as a Clinical Psychologist and Gerontologist at Willingness. He works with a variety of complex issues and adult age groups, including chronic pain, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, trauma, loss, grief and bereavement, relationships and cognitive impairment. Yaser Teebi has graduated from the following degrees with Merit: Bachelor of Psychology (Hons), a Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics, and a Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, all at the University of Malta. He is currently reading for a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Geriatrics at the University of Birmingham. If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.