While the holidays are joyful for many, they can be challenging for older adults. Approximately 24% of adults who are age 65 years or older are socially isolated, and 43% of those over 60 feel lonely.¹ It is widely emphasized that human connection is as vital as food and water; however, factors like limited mobility, health changes, loss of loved ones, or decreased social engagement can heighten loneliness.² However, there are ways to reduce feelings of loneliness.  As we approach this holiday season, consider opportunities to engage and stay connected with friends, family, and your community. 

Consider these tips to increase connection: 

1. Take care of yourself: Know your limits and manage expectations. Holidays can be challenging, especially for those who are grieving a loss. Set boundaries by deciding what you want to do and where you want to be. Communicate openly with loved ones about your choices and discuss which traditions to keep, modify, or skip. Find ways to compromise and stay flexible. Try a statement like, “I usually cook a dish, but this year I may order something from the store.” 

2. Let technology bring you together: Video calls, group chats, and social media make it easy to stay connected. Host a virtual dinner or game night via Zoom, FaceTime, or other virtual platforms, and share photos, recipes, or video greetings in family chats. If technology feels daunting, ask for help. Libraries and senior centers often offer free digital literacy classes.  

3. Honor familiar traditions or create meaningful new ones: Traditions foster connection and belonging. If travel is difficult, try mail-based traditions like cards or care packages, or virtual ones like watching a holiday movie together or sharing a recipe. You can also join local events or volunteer in your community.  

4. Give the gift of helping others: Helping others can be one of the most fulfilling ways to connect during the holidays. Join community programs that wrap gifts, deliver meals, or visit those in need. Many organizations offer remote volunteer opportunities such as making phone calls to isolated seniors or writing holiday cards to service members.  

5. Participate in community life: If possible, get involved in community groups or senior centers. Many host seasonal events, potlucks, and workshops designed to bring people together. Faith-based groups also often hold special holiday gatherings open to all. These activities provide a sense of purpose and belonging while helping build new friendships.  

6. Reach out and be open: Sometimes connection begins with the simple act of reaching out. Make a list of friends, relatives, or neighbors to contact during the season. A short call, message, or visit can brighten someone’s day and yours. If loneliness feels overwhelming, consider joining a support group or speaking with a counselor who specializes in older adult well-being. 

At ConcertoCare, our mission is to provide compassionate, whole person care that nurtures physical, emotional, and social well-being. We know loneliness can deeply affect health, especially during the holidays, so we proactively screen for loneliness, depression, and anxiety to address these needs early, engaging members of the interdisciplinary team such as a community health worker or a clinical social worker.  Both roles are uniquely positioned to support patients, promote engagement, and foster joy.  This could look like a community health worker exploring virtual resources with the patient and connecting them to senior centers or the library to become more comfortable with technology, or a clinical social worker helping the patient redefine what aging looks like and establishing and fostering connections with others.  

Value-based health care goes beyond treating illness. It’s about building an uplifting community where every person feels seen, heard, and valued. At ConcertoCare, we realize the heart of the holidays lies in connection, not perfection. With creativity, openness, and community spirit, it’s possible to make this holiday season truly meaningful, no matter the distance. 

Sources: 

¹ Donovan, N. J., & Blazer, D. (2020). Social isolation and loneliness in older adults: 

Review and commentary of a national academies report. The American Journal of  

Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(12), 1233–1244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2020.08.005 

² Office of the Surgeon General. (2023). Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation: 

The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on the healing effects of social connection and 

community [Advisory]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf 

Interested in reading more:  

Bradley Bursack, C. (n.d.). Reducing Loneliness: How to Help Seniors During the Holidays. Www.agingcare.com. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/elderly-loneliness-during-holidays-148441.htm 

Stoll, J., & Brennan-Taylor, M. (2022, December 7). How to Take Care of Your Health During the Holidays. Ncoa.org. https://www.ncoa.org/article/taking-care-of-your-health-through-the-holiday-season/ 

Wagner, B. (2024, December 17). Tips for Older Adults to Avoid Feeling Lonely During the Holidays. Elder Health at Home; Elder Health at Home, PLLC. https://elderhealthathome.com/tips-for-older-adults-to-avoid-feeling-lonely-during-the-holidays/ 

Wynn, P., Hinzey, E., & Mattern, A. (2025). Easing Holiday Isolation. US News & World Report; U.S. News & World Report. https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/articles/ways-to-ease-holiday-isolation-for-older-adults