The Lonely Senior: How to Minimize Loneliness in the Older Adult
It’s supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year.” Family and friends gather together to celebrate the holiday season. Traditions are shared, memories are made, and excitement fills the atmosphere. However, as many older adults will gather together with their loved ones this holiday season, some older adults aren’t as fortunate. In fact, the holiday season only amplifies how lonely they feel. Family traditions change over time, or
families live too far apart to celebrate together every year. For other seniors, it’s the aftermath of the holiday season that leaves them feeling lonely. After family leave and return to their normal routine, the older adult feels somewhat neglected and all alone. Lonely adults are at greater risk of mental illness and physical decline than their more social counterparts. However, with a little planning and some initiative, loneliness can be overcome. Here are a few tips to help combat the loneliness that many older adults face.
Commit to Connect with Others
Many of us look forward to a little down time after a busy holiday season. However, once the holiday decorations are boxed up and the last holiday guest leaves, the home and heart are vulnerable to loneliness. Older adults are more prone to experience the winter blues when they have little to look forward to once their family returns to their normal routine. Schedule periodic visits throughout the year so that your loved one has a next visit to look forward to. Local families can include your aging loved one in family dinners or game night. Long distant families can commit to a weekly video call so that your loved one feels more connected to you and your family. Encourage your loved one to connect with friends and neighbors too. The burden of connection isn’t entirely on your shoulders; encourage your loved one to stay connected with their friends as the holiday season comes to an end.
Find a Way to Volunteer
Everyone likes to feel valued and useful, no matter their age. Volunteering is another way to minimize loneliness in the older adult. When an older adult feels needed through volunteering, they suddenly have a reason to get up in the morning and to get out of the house. There are many places to that need volunteers. Start with your local library, hospital, or church for volunteer opportunities suited for older adults. Schools are another great place to volunteer and can take years off the life of an older adult as they interact with the younger generation. Consider your loved one’s abilities and talents and help them find an outlet to give back to their community.
Care for a Pet
A furry pet can melt away loneliness and create a sense of purpose for an older adult who perhaps lives alone. Whether your loved one prefers cats or dogs, consider ways to invite animals into their lives. If your loved one can care for a pet, find one that is compatible to their lifestyle at a local animal shelter. So often senior cats and dogs are the last to be adopted, but they can be a better fit for older adults. Older animals tend to be house trained and don’t have as much energy as kittens or puppies. If adopting a pet is too challenging for your aging loved one, consider taking them to a local animal shelter to visit or even volunteer. If you own a cat or dog, consider letting your loved one care for them while you’re away on vacation.
Talk with the Doctor
As the end of the year approaches, make sure your loved one schedules their annual routine appointments with their doctors. December is very busy with holiday preparation and celebration, but December is also the last month of the year and if your loved one has already met their insurance deductible for the year, it’s a great month to schedule those other appointments you’ve been putting off before deductibles rest with the new year. Routine doctor appointments help address health problems that may lead to loneliness. For example, seniors with untreated hearing loss or incontinence issues may decline usual social dates because they have difficulty keeping up with conversation or are afraid of embarrassing themselves while out. Talking with the doctor and finding ways to treat the medical concern can remove barriers that would otherwise limit your loved one’s social life.
As you shop for the perfect gift for your aging loved one this holiday season, consider giving them the gift of senior home care services. Visiting Angels Richmond offers a variety of senior home care services that can help keep loneliness at bay for your aging loved one. Our elderly companion care services are perfect for the lonely senior. More than just a social call or friendly visit, our compassionate caregivers provide a relationship of encouragement and support to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely at home. Visiting Angels Richmond believes that seniors need to feel a part of a social community, and our caregivers are happy to become a part of theirs. Contact our office today to take the first steps in building a relationship that will make everyone feel good.