As soon as the princesses, superheroes and monsters retire their costumes and count their candy loot, another Halloween is officially over—and the sounds and sights of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are seemingly everywhere.

Holiday music fills the air, decorations appear, group chats buzz, recipes are exchanged and the days fly by. It’s festive, cheerful and an opportunity to spend much-needed time with loved ones. 

Yet the holidays can also be stressful, especially for older adults and the families who care for them.

According to the National Institute on Aging, adults 65 and older are at greater risk of social isolation due to health changes or the loss of loved ones. Prolonged isolation has been linked to dementia, heart disease, stroke and depression. 

Caregivers and families should take extra care to ensure loved ones with physical or cognitive limitations feel included and valued in holiday celebrations. 

Physical changes like hearing loss can make it hard to follow conversations. Dementia can cause difficulty recognizing family members, disinterest in traditions or sudden mood shifts. These challenges may lead to feelings of isolation for both the person affected and those who want to help them enjoy the season.

Whether you’re an older adult, a caregiver or someone who knows a senior who could use more connection, here are meaningful ways to create a sense of belonging and warmth this holiday season:

1. Talk, listen and connect

• Reach out regularly during the holidays. Ask your loved one how they’d like to stay in touch—by phone, video chat, letter, email or in-person visits. Check in weekly and encourage others to join in.
• If you’re not sure how to start a conversation, ask about favorite memories, life experiences or seek their advice on something meaningful to you.

2. Encourage new connections

• Suggest reconnecting with friends or relatives they haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Support their interests by finding related community activities, such as classes, clubs or volunteer opportunities. 
• Help transform their solitary hobbies like quilting or reading into social opportunities by teaching others or joining a club. Provide transportation or identify virtual options if needed. 
• Explore new or long-delayed interests together, or accompany them to an activity they’re hesitant to try.
• If comfortable, visit their place of worship, invite them to share their traditions or bring them along to your holiday gatherings.

3. Support emotional well-being

• Normalize feelings of loneliness and remind them that you’re there to listen and help.
• If isolation persists, help them find resources such as mental health services or local support groups. 

4. Make your gatherings inclusive

• Create a welcoming environment by ensuring clear pathways and accessible seating for guests with mobility challenges. 
• Watching a favorite holiday movie or listening to familiar music can spark joy and conversation. 
• Bake or craft holiday decorations together to reminisce and share memories. 
• Pull out photo albums or treasured decorations to encourage storytelling.
• If you’re a caregiver, consider organizing a small support network with others in similar roles. Checking in on each other or sharing tasks like meal prep, housework or transportation can make the season less stressful.

Small gestures of inclusion can ease caregiving and brighten the holidays for older adults. This holiday season, make connection your most meaningful tradition.

Maria Coromac-Medrano is a student clinician at the UCCS Aging Center in Colorado Springs. For additional aging resources, contact uccs.edu/agingcenter or call 719-255-8002.

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