For many, Christmas is a happy time of year filled with family gatherings, catch-ups with friends and a great excuse to indulge in lots of delicious food. However, the elderly within our community often may not have the same experience.

The loss of loved ones or family living far away can make the festive season a tough time. 

To help those around you to experience the magic of Christmas, reach out to seniors and offer them a little extra care and comfort. 

Here are some tips for helping the elderly feeling lonely this Christmas: 

Check in on your elderly neighbours 

It might appear to be an obvious suggestion, but the easiest way to support the elderly community is by regularly checking in on them. If you have an elderly neighbour or are aware of seniors in your community that may need a little extra support over Christmas, stop by their home or give them a call. Maybe they might like to have lunch or need help with shopping, cleaning or jobs around the home, or simply just to have a friendly face to talk to. 

Small acts of kindness can go a long way to making people feel less alone during times when everyone else is surrounded by friends and family. The busyness of the season can sometimes mean we miss the signs, so keep an eye out. 

Help with festive tasks or shopping 

What better way to lift a spirit at Christmas time than to set up decorations to lighten the mood.

Reach out to seniors around you and offer to help set up decorations this year, decorate a tree or help to put up lights and tinsel around their home. Don’t forget to let them know that they can also rely on you to help them take the decorations down when they’re ready so that they aren’t worried about the cleaning process. 

Offer to take seniors with you during your Christmas shopping or see if they would like you to pick up any items for them. Christmas shopping is a lot of effort for someone who is completely fit and healthy let alone someone with decreasing mobility so an offer to pick up groceries or buy cards or presents for friends and relatives may be just the help they need.  

Volunteer with a local charity 

There are many charities who support our elderly during the festive season. Although the larger scale organisations close over this period, smaller local charities continue to help out so contact one near you to see if you can help with or contribute anything.

This is a good way to make sure that everyone experiences some Christmas cheer.  

Offer to drive an elderly person to their church or community centre 

When your mobility is limited or you have no one to go with, it can be hard to muster the energy and courage to attend local events, even when you want to go.

However, there are often plenty of great things happening, from church services, community lunches and coffee mornings or even Christmas Carols or markets. People in the elderly community often just need the motivation and help to attend. 

If you have elderly neighbours or know of someone who might be struggling, ask them if they have any Events they were hoping to attend, or have a look at what outings are coming up and offer to take them. Simply lending a bit of time and attention can often make all the difference in the world. 

Arrange a visit 

Do you have family members or neighbours who will be alone? Can you offer them a seat at your Christmas table? Or can you pop in and visit at some point during the day?

If not Christmas day, then around the Christmas period and let that person know when they can expect you, so they have something to look forward to. Even a cup of tea with a chat can have a positive impact. 

Take the time to call 

Life takes us in all directions and often families are miles apart at Christmas time. If you can’t physically be with a family member, call them instead. A simple phone call can make all of the difference.  

Recent analysis has found that a phone call from a loved one is the best Christmas present many older people feel they can receive, so make the effort to phone an older friend over the Christmas season, so they know they are not forgotten. 

Helping spread the festive spirit 

Many elderly people in our communities, face Christmas alone each year, but this can change with active measures to ensure everyone gets to partake in seasonal celebrations. Giving time to others benefits the whole community more than you might think! 

Just one small piece of kindness may light up the world of a sad and lonely elderly person so take a minute to see what you can do today.