Alleviating loneliness in the third age during holiday seasons

The holiday season, which is characterized by family gatherings and joint celebrations, can be a challenging time for seniors. For many of them, this is a time that emphasizes loneliness and overwhelms feelings of social and emotional distance. Holidays are a time when family and community gather together, but precisely then, quite a few older people find themselves alone, either due to reduced mobility, living far from family or health conditions that prevent them from participating in gatherings.

This reality requires us - the family members, the sheltered housing communities and the social teams - to think of creative ways to alleviate loneliness and strengthen the sense of community and belonging among the older residents. To ensure that even in the third age they can feel a part of the celebrations, there are several simple initiatives but with a significant impact, which can make a difference.

1. Community celebrations - creating a second home

One of the most effective ways to relieve loneliness is by having joint celebrations in the community. Creating unique social events for seniors, such as holiday meals in a shared space, celebrating birthdays together, singing in public, and celebratory candle lighting, strengthens the sense of belonging. Alongside these, it is also possible to combine cultural activities such as music shows, theater and lectures on Jewish tradition, which will enrich the experience. Events of this type not only create a sense of community, but also allow new members to get to know each other, expand the circle of contacts and actively participate in the holiday atmosphere.

2. "Adoptive family" program

In cases where elderly people cannot join their family members during the holiday, the "adopting family" program offers a warm and intimate solution. Through the program, families from the community can adopt elderly tenants for the holiday, invite them to a holiday meal and offer them to spend the day with them in the family circle. Such meetings not only help to alleviate loneliness, but also strengthen intergenerational ties and contribute to the enrichment of the personal experience of both parties.

3. Volunteer services - connecting the generations

Volunteer activities are an excellent way to relieve loneliness during the holidays. Children and teenagers from the community can come to the sheltered housing and spend time with the residents - talk, play board games, prepare traditional holiday foods together with them or help them with the small housework.  Also, the third-year-olds can come to the schools for story reading time, help and assistance with homework for students in the lower grades and discussion circles for the higher grades. It is also possible to share the third age in community food packages for welfare/needy families. This activity creates meaningful connections between the generations and gives the seniors a sense of importance and belonging. Personal visits by volunteers who come to talk and greet the residents can also be of great emotional value and leave a feeling of personal warmth over time.

4. Creating social support groups

The holidays are an appropriate time to promote social support groups, which provide an open space for sharing feelings, thoughts and experiences. These groups may take place in physical meetings or even through online meetings. Technological tools, such as video calls or online courses, can be a platform for social gatherings and strengthening relationships, even when there is difficulty in movement or face-to-face meetings.

5. Involvement in the family and the holiday even from a distance

Along with the physical activities, it is important to remember that technology can serve as an important tool for maintaining social and family ties even from a distance. With the help of video calls, residents can take an active part in family holiday gatherings even if they cannot physically attend. Family members can help residents connect to an online conversation, so they can greet, participate in conversations, and feel part of the family events, even if they are not present.

6. Personal contact - letters and greetings

Another small but significant gesture is writing letters and personal greetings to the tenants. Staff members, volunteers and even family members can write happy holiday greetings, which provide residents with a sense of connection and care. Such letters can be kept for a long time and be a source of comfort and joy even after the holiday is over.

7. Creative activities with meaning for the holiday

Seniors often enjoy creative activities that connect them to culture and the holiday. Workshops for making holiday decorations, creating art pieces related to the holiday, weaving favorite flowers for the holiday, or even preparing traditional foods with a guide can be an opportunity for personal and cultural enrichment, alongside creating meaningful social interaction.

In conclusion, the holidays are a time for celebration, renewal and a sense of belonging, and precisely in the third age it is important to ensure that no one is left alone. Through social activities, volunteering and community initiatives, this challenging time can be turned into a time of connection, community and joy.

The article was written by Israela Sheps, director of the tenants department at Rubinstein Estates