Aging, Loneliness, and Holidays

Nina Chen, Ph.D.
Human Development Specialist

Holidays can make people feel sad and lonesome. People who are for the first time spending holidays alone after the death or divorce of a spouse can be depressed. Older people who are living alone can be stressed and depressed during holiday seasons.  The following tips may help alleviate some of the holiday blues.

Focus on the present and think positively. Think about something you enjoy and do it. This approach can help reduce some of your frustration and unhappiness as well as build your confidence to live in the spirit of the holiday season.

Be involved with activities and other people. Going to church, a senior center, or places offering community activities can help. Inviting people to come to your house and celebrating holidays together will also bring you joy.

Be willing to ask for help. If you are living alone or homebound you may want to call people to talk. Ask your community agencies if they offer special services or programs for people who live alone, such as a telephone reassurance program, etc. It will be a good opportunity to be involved in a program which can bring you a feeling of belonging.

Helping others or doing something for others can help you feel good about yourself. For instance, help other older people who are unable to shop, make a meal or bake cookies for them, make some crafts and have them distributed to the poor, etc.  This will help you feel the holiday is more meaningful.

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