Tips for reducing loneliness in elders this festive season

When you are young and fit, the festive season is all about having fun, being outdoors and having a social calendar that is jam-packed with glitzy parties and other fun activities. For others, especially the elderly who live away from their families, it can be a time of extreme loneliness. There are inevitable losses that even the healthiest seniors face, mobility levels decrease and life partners and friends fall ill and pass away, resulting in feelings of lost independence and opportunities. 

You are probably eagerly planning your own holiday activities but it is important to remember the warmth and joy of what the yule-time is truly about.  Mattanja - Assisted Living for the Elderly shares a few lovely ideas to brighten up an elderly loved one’s festive season.

Listen

Make a point of focusing and actively listening when your elderly parent, grandparent or neighbour wants to talk. No distractions because an honest and empathetic conversation can do wonders to lift the spirits. You know what it feels like to get home in the evening and having a good old moan to your partner about your day, well this age-old therapy works just as well for the elderly.

Remind

Take the time to remind your elder just how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for all they have done for you in the past. They may be feeling they are a burden because they can’t contribute or fully participate in the festivities like they used to. Be sure not to let them feel what you are doing for them is done out of a sense of duty, rather include them and allow them to do whatever they are capable of doing. 

Surprise

Be thoughtful to old traditions that may still be possible to maintain with your loved ones who used to enjoy sharing festive greeting cards. Secretly contact family and friends to inspire them to send cards, photographs and drawings via the post. This little festive touch can go further by helping with their own outgoing mail each year.

Help

Create a festival feeling with traditional decorations that will bring some good cheer to your elderly loved one’s room. Pack out all those treasures and share Christmas stories of years gone by. Make sure to stock up on biscuits, rusks, chewy sweets and rusks.

Organize

Call friends and family and arrange a small holiday gathering at the home if it is allowed. This doesn’t have to happen on the actual high-holiday and will be greatly appreciated. Realizing that the people they care about came out to spend time with them is priceless for an elder. Take note that if your loved one has dementia gatherings can be disorienting and upsetting so best to liaise with caregivers at all times as to what surprise would be suitable.

Love

Making a senior feel loved and included this season is as easy as simply spending quality time with them. Take time to look at family photos, watch home videos or holiday movies, listen to seasonal music, or do crafts together. Regardless of what you decide to do together, any time you can spare is a precious gift for both you, and your elderly loved one.

Contact Mattanja - Assisted Living for the Elderly to find out how you can help bring some festive cheer into the life of an elderly resident this holiday season.