Doctors encourage families to be mindful of the needs of older adults during the holiday season. (photo courtesy of Cedars-Sinai)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is raising awareness about loneliness and isolation among older adults during the holiday season.

The holidays can be the best of times or the worst of times. High-energy celebrations, an emphasis on good tidings of joy and reunions with families and friends can bring happiness and comfort, but they can also have the opposite effect on people feeling isolated and alone, especially older adults.

“This season can be particularly difficult for older adults who don’t have as many social connections, or are hindered by physical limitations, because of all the messaging around us that emphasizes activity and connectedness,” said Dr. Sonja Rosen, chief of the section of geriatric medicine at Cedars-Sinai.

The Surgeon General of the United States has described loneliness and isolation as an epidemic affecting 50% of the population. It is associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and death.

“Loneliness and isolation, part of what we call social determinants of health, are established risks for poor health and early death, especially for aging adults. The health risks are equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” Cedars-Sinai geriatrician Dr. Allison Moser Mays said. “But we also know that being more socially connected can actually decrease the risk of mortality by as much as 50%.”

Hearing loss, memory impairment, the inability to drive safely and other functional changes that can come with age impact people’s desire or ability to attend holiday gatherings and can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and anxiety, she said.

“We see a lot of our patients not want to go out as much because they are unable to communicate well. Large gatherings of family or friends or just going out to a restaurant with others can be very stressful if they are straining to hear or have difficulty following conversations. They may prefer to stay at home and isolate rather than feel out of place or anxious,” added Mays, an assistant professor of medicine.

Grief and loss can also be significant drivers of social isolation and loneliness as people age.

“This can be a particularly difficult time of the year for anyone who has experienced loss or who doesn’t have that sense of community they wish they had.” Mays said. “And that really is what defines loneliness – not having the social connections that you want.”

Geriatricians at Cedars-Sinai routinely discuss loss and grief during patient visits and can provide referrals to social workers or grief support groups.

To support older people during the holiday season, check in more often and gently ask how they are doing and offer support. A phone call can go a long way. Consider inviting older adults to smaller, more intimate gatherings if functional limitations are an issue. Welcome them without pressuring them to fit into your plans. Always actively listen when they want to talk, even if it is a difficult conversation.

“We’ve found that purpose-driven activity is a good way to form community. In our LEAP program exercise classes, some of the participants were only coming 40% of the time, but they still felt they had a sense of community and connection to the class,” Mays said.

“A lot of people are embarrassed to ask for help. They’re embarrassed to be alone. But they need to know that most of us struggle with the same things at one time or another,” Rosen added. “We are all part of the same community. There is help and comfort, and we can be there for one another.”

For information, visit cedars-sinai.org.