The winter holidays bring a sense of magic for many as they prepare to gather with family and friends in celebration. For some, the holidays are not as bright which can be especially true for some older adults, especially those far from or without family. No matter what the holiday season looks like, a simple plan can be the difference between feeling lonely or feeling connected.
“You can be really close and distant or really far away and actually be connected,” said Marla Zeiderman, a psychologist at Kaiser Permanente.
When talking to older adults about feelings of loneliness, Zeiderman said she examines what their family dynamic looks like. She notices that when families remain connected — no matter the miles between them — feelings of loneliness are less present.
“Holidays are when you are connecting with family, or are surrounded by family, all these old things come up and whether they are good memories or not so great memories it is this idea of connection and that’s what I think for most people that is where the sadness comes … It’s really, how connected are you,” she said.
Feelings of loneliness can lead to depression, Zeiderman stated, adding it is not the only feeling that can lead to depression.
“Some of the best things to combat that is really any kind of positive social interaction,” she said.
Establishing a routine for connecting with loved ones is a good first step to keeping loneliness away. This can be as simple as scheduling a call, a visit or even writing letters or emails.
Some seniors may have health concerns that prevent them from traveling, however, that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of the holiday festivities. Zeiderman suggests seniors share a letter, a memory, a recipe or a photo with their family prior to the holiday celebration. This can make the event more personal.
She also suggests families invite the older adult to dinner virtually or with a phone call. This is a great opportunity to allow this family member to share their memories without being physically present, she said.
Traditions observed for many years can be hard to break away from but Zeiderman encourages seniors to create new traditions. This can start by looking at loved ones who are closer to home such as local friends, other members of clubs, neighbors or even members of a retirement community. It can also include small things such as a video call or writing down a memory to share with family.
For those in the community, the holidays are a great time to recognize seniors in the area to let them know they have been noticed without devoting lots of time. Zeiderman suggests dropping off a card or holiday treat on the senior’s doorstep or stopping by to say hello.
“This is the perfect time of the year to do something small and step away because it is just socially acceptable … There’s no expectations for return, no expectation for something ongoing, so it’s the perfect time do something that small,” Zeiderman said.
For seniors in the Longmont area who want to explore a new tradition, the Longmont Senior Center will host the Making Spirits Bright event on Dec. 21 from 2-3 p.m. This event will feature the Swinging Seniors band who will perform seasonal music.
