This time of year hosts several major holidays including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s and it can remind the elderly of traditions and loved ones who have passed away. Make a point this holiday season to visit with your aging loved ones or go out into the community to make seniors feel special.
Loneliness in seniors is an ongoing issue as family members pass away and their functional abilities decline. Other major changes such as moving to a new place can cause serious disruption in their lives. Many of the things they knew or treasured, are now replaced by something new and foreign to them.
In a study done at the University of California examining the relationship between loneliness, functional decline, and death, researchers found that 43.2% of their 1,604 participants reported feeling lonely even though many of them lived with a spouse or other companion. The ultimate conclusion revealed that loneliness was associated with an increased risk of death.
During the winter months elders tend to stay at home and not socialize. A simple phone call or visit could brighten their day. Life can be crazy and busy at times, but take the time to appreciate this holiday season with your aging loved one. Celebrate and make memories with new generations by bringing back old traditions and telling stories of loved ones passed.
The holiday season is known to be one of the busiest times of the year, but taking some time to celebrate with aging seniors in your community can be a rewarding experience. Consider visiting a local retirement community and talking to some of the residents. Listen to their stories and gain knowledge from these amazing people who have lived during some of the most interesting times in history. You wouldn’t expect the smiles and laughter you will gain from the visit.
Secure Aging hopes these holidays will be joyous to all seniors and their families this season. We can help make life easier by tracking monthly income and expenses, as well as fully advocating for our clients’ well-being and safety. We are here to help make your life easier and keep your loved ones safe.
Reba Rogers, CPA, is the founder of Secure Aging, a group of care managers who preserve the independence and protect the assets of seniors by helping them with financial management. She is also a Director Consultant for BNI (Business Network International), a referral marketing organization which gives her access to many trusted business professionals in the community.
