The holidays for many are a joyous time of year filled with celebrations and an over-indulgence in socializing. And when the celebrations finally pass, many people enjoy and welcome the peace and solitude of being alone. But for many seniors, that solitude is a reality that must be faced every day, and the holidays, in particular, can be a very lonely and isolating time of year to endure. Almost a quarter of all seniors in Canada live alone, and when spouses and friends have passed on, that lack of human companionship and social interaction can begin to fray at their physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.
Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to beat those feelings of loneliness and isolation so that you can get back to making new friends and enjoying more vibrant and engaging interactions during the holidays and throughout the entire year. Here are some ways that you can stay social this holiday season.
Reach Out To Family
If you have family members that live a little out of the way, it can be easy to avoid reaching out to avoid feeling like a burden. But you’d be surprised at just how much your distant family members would love to have you visit. So go for it! Don’t worry about being a burden on anyone. If you have family members and they haven’t extended an invite, make an effort to reach out to them and invite yourself over for the holiday celebrations. Sometimes family members also need a good nudge to understand that you’d like to be more involved.
Plan Holiday Celebrations With Your Friends
If you live in a community with some close friends that you’ve socialized with in the past, why not plan some holiday get-togethers with them? Sure, it can be a little intimidating to make the first initial move with asking and arranging, but you’ll be guaranteed to see just how much they’d love to partake in a little holiday celebration together. This doesn’t mean that there needs to be any sort of lavish spread. You can discuss the details and keep it simple. All that matters is that you’re in good company and can enjoy spending time with others.
Join A Choir
If you love to sing, joining a choir is a great way to keep your vocal chords sharp, while getting to know others and making new friends. Singing makes you feel good, and being part of a choir will get you out and engaged while embracing the festive sights and sounds around you.
Join A Community Event
Did you know that there are plenty of community events that are held for seniors? If you live in an assisted living facility or a homecare community, talk to your administration and ask about any community celebrations that are being organized. You can enjoy a holiday meal, music and time with other local seniors celebrating the festive season together.
Staying social is vital for senior health. So if you’re gearing up for another holiday season on your own, it’s time to shake up your social scene by reaching out to others – distant family, your local community or any friends and acquaintances that you’ve made along the way to get involved with and social. Place your pride aside and do whatever it takes to connect with others, not only during the holidays but throughout the year as well.