How to Help Your Loved One Combat Social Isolation During the Winter
Winter can be an isolating time of the year, especially for seniors who may not be able to leave their homes due to a lack of transportation or personal mobility limitations; nevertheless, socialization is important for seniors’ mental health and overall happiness. According to Statistics Canada, nearly one in five Canadian seniors aged 65 and older report experiencing loneliness. The results of social isolation can be severe, leading to depression, chronic conditions, premature death, and cognitive decline. Staying socially engaged is key to maintaining a higher quality of life, and participating in community activities helps create a sense of belonging while supporting cognitive health. To learn more about the positive health impact of social wellness, read our Aging Well: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Aging for Canadian Seniors guide and get valuable insights on the importance of social engagement and how retirement communities can provide a supportive environment.
How Seniors Can Stay Social During Winter
While it may be difficult to get outdoors this season, the snow and cold weather don’t have to make your loved one feel isolated from friends and family. There are many ways to help your older parent stay connected and active during their later retirement years despite the chilly conditions. Here are four simple and effective ways to ensure your senior loved one remains socially engaged during the cold winter months:
1. Consider Senior Living Communities
If you’ve been considering discussing the idea of retirement living with your loved one, winter weather makes a great case for it. Many residences offer seniors a variety of fitness classes and social activities to promote physical activity and socialization – two things that your loved one may be lacking during the cold winter months, or even all-year-round. Depending on your loved one’s preferences and physical abilities, there’s sure to be a class or activity for them. Plus, just being around peers can help combat feelings of isolation, no matter the activity.
2. Leverage Technology to Stay Connected
In today’s digital age, helping your parent embrace technology can be a game-changer, especially during the winter months when staying indoors is more common. Teaching your loved one how to use the Internet or video calls to connect with friends and family can provide valuable socialization all year long.
Encourage your loved one to sign up for social media accounts, like Facebook or Instagram, to stay connected with friends and family, or teach them how to email family and friends. Bookmarking useful websites, such as news outlets or entertainment sites, can also help your loved one feel more connected and informed. With the right tools and guidance, your loved one can enjoy virtual social engagement, regardless of the weather.
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3. Suggest Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is a fantastic way for seniors to socialize while making a difference in their community. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, volunteering provides a significant sense of purpose and is a powerful mood booster.
Many organizations have opportunities suited to seniors’ interests and physical abilities, from mentoring programs to charity knitting circles. Encourage your loved one to get involved—it’s a win-win for everyone!
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4. Encourage Pet Therapy for Companionship
For many seniors, pets offer invaluable companionship, especially during the winter months when isolation can be more pronounced. Pets can reduce stress, alleviate loneliness, and even encourage physical activity through regular walks and play. If your loved one already has a pet, encourage them to spend quality time with their furry friend. Pet therapy programs can also be a wonderful alternative for seniors without pets. In fact, many Chartwell retirement residences offer zootherapy sessions, where trained animals visit residents, providing both companionship and comfort.
How Chartwell Promotes Social Connections Year-Round
At Chartwell, we make it easy for seniors to stay socially connected. Our retirement communities are thoughtfully designed to promote both emotional and social well-being. Residents can enjoy thoughtfully planned activities, comfortable spaces for gathering, and a calendar full of activities that promote socialization and physical activity.
That’s why we’ve created our unique LiveNow life enrichment programs, designed to keep the mind active and body in motion so you can be healthy and happy all year round. Comprised of different high-quality experiences that promote all six dimensions of wellness—physical, social, emotional, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual—our programming is designed to help you lead the engaging and purposeful lifestyle you deserve.
Ready to explore how Chartwell can support your loved one? Visit our Find a Residence page to locate a retirement residence near you and book a personalized tour today!
*The following sources provide references for this blog, in order of appearance:
- Statistics Canada. "A Look at Loneliness Among Seniors." Statistics Canada. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/4881-look-loneliness-among-seniors
- Mental Health Commission of Canada. "Mental Health for Older Adults: 5 Practical Ways to Boost Your Mood." Mental Health Commission of Canada. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/blog-posts/56571-mental-health-for-older-adults-5-practical-ways-to-boost-your-mood-2/