fter another challenging year, the traditions and rituals of Christmas and the festive season will be warmly welcomed by many. These celebrations are often regarded as cherished time with family and friends, sharing feasts and exchanging gifts, laughs and good company. 

But for a growing number of people, this time of the year can be very hard. Today, more older adults find themselves on their own after either having recently lost a loved one, or from being separated from family and friends and unable to gather as easily as before. 

All of this has been made even more challenging due to the global pandemic. 

Feeling alone and isolated, or missing the past, can make it hard to find a path forward. Minor depression and loneliness in older adults are tightly entwined and can negatively impact daily life or even lead to other adverse health outcomes. 

But with a bit of motivation and help from others, like a home carer from Pearl Home Care, interventions can be made to help alleviate loneliness over the festive season and to find connection. 

We’ve put together a list of ways to help lift your spirits this festive season and to help you find connection, peace and joy in both familiar and new ways. 

Reflect on your mental wellbeing

Positive psychology now teaches how to tap into the power of the mind to recalibrate our inner state of being. 

There are different approaches to explore this, but one that is relevant to this time of the year and easily accessible is to practice gratitude. 

We often show gratitude for others at this time through the exchange of gifts and writing cards and messages of thoughts and appreciation. This may be done out of habit, but to promote a more positive mindset, acknowledge the gratitude you feel for others and for various parts of your life. This will promote a lighter mindset and help control negative thoughts that can arise through minor depression and loneliness.

Some things you may express gratitude for include:

• The food and treats enjoyed at this time.
• Your home and your safety and security.
• The support of people closest to you, including family and your Pearl carer, as well as those serving in shops and the broader community.

Consider spending a few minutes before going to sleep each night to list 5 things you are grateful for. You can do this in your mind or write them down in a gratitude diary.

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Physical activity is just as important for mental and physical wellbeing, as it helps to improve moods and self-perception.

• Enjoy 20 minutes of exercise each day – this could be a few shorter walks, or one longer stroll. It will help elevate your mood and improve general physical health, like heart and respiratory health.
• Spend time in nature – consider visiting your local park or taking a day trip with friends to a place you all enjoy. This gets you out and about as well as connected and present with others.

There is much happening in local neighbourhoods over the festive season, including Christmas lights displays, children playing, caroling, and people gathering at different events. Seeing it all on foot is a wonderful way to take time to look and enjoy.

Connect to the holiday spirit

Whether alone or with others, the festivities are very much alive in our communities, and there is much warmth to find through connecting. 

These connections can remind us of happy memories or of special people in our lives and can help us to meet new like-minded people in our neighbourhoods. 

Some ways to feel connected to the festive season can be:

• Visit a local place of worship that represents your spiritual values, even if for the first time. Places of worship are welcoming and very often have a warm community willing and able to assist.
• Find a local carol event, from local council events in the parks through to the Salvation Army or local community centres. These events are designed to be open to all, and many of them are free.
• Join friends or neighbours to see Christmas lights on homes in the local area. More houses and streets are joining together to help dress the neighbourhood in a festive spirit through bright colours and fun decorations. It’s also a lovely way to see children out enjoying the season, to bring joy.

Be creative

The festive season is full of creative spirit. Being creative is open to all as it’s just a personal expression and can be explored in many ways. Finding a creative outlet is a wonderful way to be present and connect to fond memories.

Creative suggestions include:

• Make a scrapbook of Christmas and festive seasons of the past and embrace the warm memories. Include photos, written words, or trinkets – be as creative as you like!
• Get creative in the kitchen – there are many recipes for delicious festive treats such as Christmas cakes, plum puddings, biscuits and gingerbread, and these can also make wonderful gifts for family and friends.
• Place lights and decorations in and around the home to add festive colour and joy – be sure to ask for assistance if you are wanting to place anything high up.

It helps to plan ahead for the festive season to find ways to be less lonely. With your Pearl home carer, you are never alone. They are ready to support you to ensure you feel connected over the festive season.

Contact Pearl Home Care today to discuss how measures like these will help to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and positive time at home.

If this has raised any issues for you, Beyond Blue and Lifeline are there to help. Keep their numbers with you over the holiday season and stay close to your Pearl home carer for the support you need.

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Lifeline: 13 11 14