The holiday season has arrived and for most it is a time of joy, sharing and being with  the ones you love… It is a time for catching up with old friends, being with family and looking forward to what the New Year will bring. It is a great picture but for seniors it is hardly the reality. Feelings of sadness, loneliness are what most seniors feel this time of year.

There are many ways we can help to prevent or lessen those feelings of loneliness and help restore their joy this holiday season.

• Don’t let them be alone. Invite your loved one over, if they can’t be with family, encourage them to be with friends.  
• Volunteer at churches or nursing homes. You are not only helping them with their sadness but keeping you away from your own troubles. 
• Encourage communication with your loved one. If you see them sad, ask them about it, let them talk it out. Sometimes all they want is for someone to listen to them.  
• Relive some of the good times with your loved one. Look at old photos of past holiday gatherings.  
• Remind your loved ones that having them there is what’s most important, not the gifts. Seniors tend to worry about their finances and want to be able to share in the gifts of giving.  

Following some of these tips should help lessen the holiday blues, and remember that a simple gesture is all it takes so that they know someone cares.

Happy Holidays!!