Beating Senior Loneliness During Festive Holidays
With social distancing measures in place to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, many seniors find themselves especially vulnerable to a new problem: loneliness brought about by prolonged periods of isolation from everyone else.
Left unaddressed, this lack of human interaction can be extremely detrimental to mental well-being, and can even lead to other damaging health risks in the long run. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, there’s a danger of this sense of loneliness becoming amplified, so here are some tips on how to tackle the problem.
1. Get Talking
Hiding or brushing off uncomfortable emotions may be the go-to coping mechanism for some older adults. This behaviour typically stems from experiences of growing up in hardship, or not wanting to burden family members in old age. But emotional baggage left unpacked is a common cause of mental deterioration. While it can feel like a chore, verbally expressing your feelings is key to a healthy state of mind.
Acknowledge how you feel and identify a source of emotional support. For senior couples who are unable to celebrate with families, get to know and talk to peers or other couples who may be in the same boat. More often than not, you’ll find it easier to talk to someone who relates to you.
It‘s no less challenging if you’re an independent senior who has suffered the loss of a spouse. If talking to a friend or a family member gets uncomfortable, consider local befriending services from Lions Befrienders or Agency for Integrated Care. These organisations provide volunteer befrienders at no charge or at low subsidised rates to keep social isolation at bay. Plus, you might even make a true friend at the end of the day!
2. Get Busy
We hear it time and time again that the virus affects older victims more intensely. While this is a good reason for staying at home even during the festive season, it’s no excuse to allow feelings of isolation to overwhelm you to the point of inactivity.
Spend time on things that bring you joy and comfort. Indulge in long-time hobbies like writing and solving sudoku or crossword puzzles to encourage mental stimulation. You can also keep physically active by watching home workout videos for seniors on YouTube. The Body Coach TV features fun yet safe workout routines (such as a chair workout), so there’s no excuse not to get moving. And while you’re at it, put a twist on things by playing some festive songs and exercising to the beat!
For the tech-savvy seniors out there, the Internet opens up new worlds of knowledge. Learning portals like Coursera and Khan Academy offer a wide range of free online courses to keep your mind occupied (and sharp). Free language apps like Duolingo provide fuss-free and enjoyable ways of picking up a new language. What do they say about learning? Oh yeah, it’s never too late to start.
3. Get A Good Read
If all else fails, words can soothe the soul. Head down to the nearest library and get started on reading. Reading has been linked to mental improvement as it reduces stress, increases cerebral flexibility and boosts mindfulness in individuals.
Live vicariously through words whether you’re looking for a relaxing fix, or a bit of healthy escapism. Do remember to pick up that new thriller or the latest issue of your favourite magazine before the holidays begin, as our libraries are closed during public holidays. Too paranoid to leave the house? Check them out via the NLB Mobile app.
And while indulging in your chosen reads over the holidays, you can also try your hand at keeping a reading journal: take down how a book makes you feel, or how much you enjoyed the description of a character. Engaging with the content you’re consuming enhances your reading experience and allows you to take comfort in the human connection, putting any feelings of isolation to bed.
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Text by
Seri Mazliana
National Library Board
