While Christmas is celebrated as a season of joy and togetherness, for many older Australians it can be the loneliest time of the year. The festive period often highlights isolation, as routines shift and community support networks thin out.
The Quiet Reality of Holiday Isolation
Jenni Hutchins, Chief Executive of aged care provider Warrigal, explains that loneliness rarely makes a loud announcement. "More often, it shows up quietly, in the long hours between visitors, in the empty chair at the table, or in the slow weeks after Christmas when the rest of the world returns to its usual pace," she said.
Ms Hutchins notes that summer conditions exacerbate the problem. Hot weather keeps people indoors, and families often travel, leaving older neighbours with dwindling social contact. "There are older people in our neighbourhoods spending their days waiting for the next knock at the door or simply hoping someone remembers them," she added. A common barrier is that many seniors won't reach out, fearing they will be a burden.
Small Gestures, Significant Impact
The good news, according to Hutchins, is that combating this loneliness doesn't require grand plans. "Easing loneliness rarely requires anything complicated. It's the small, thoughtful gestures that make the biggest difference," she emphasised.
She suggests several simple actions that can have a profound impact:
- A brief, five-minute phone call to an older relative or neighbour.
- An invitation to join a family barbecue or a casual outing.
- Dropping by with some groceries or a small treat.
- Offering help with errands on very hot days.
- Encouraging younger family members to send a message or pay a visit.
- Connecting someone to a community activity that continues through the holidays.
"Most of us will remember this summer for the usual things: the heat, the gatherings, the celebrations. But for an older person, the memory that stays with them might be the moment someone made them feel included," Hutchins reflected.
A Chance to Check-In and Observe
Clinical psychologist Melissa Levi agrees that the festive season is an ideal catalyst to reconnect. She highlights that in-person visits offer a crucial opportunity to notice subtle "clues" that an elderly person might need additional support.
Ms Levi advises looking for changes in patterns or environment. Is their home more cluttered? Is there expired food in the fridge? Have you noticed changes in their appearance, such as weight loss or less neat clothing? She also points to behavioural signs like repeating stories, a shift in mood or personality, or abandoning long-held routines like a morning walk or club attendance.
She recommends keeping three key factors in mind during a visit: safety, stress, and stability. Safety concerns might include unsteadiness, unexplained bruises, or forgetfulness like leaving the stove on. Stress could manifest as family arguments about their wellbeing, while a loss of stability is seen when they stop engaging in activities they once loved.
Inspired by her family's experience with her grandfather's illness, Ms Levi has created a free check-in guide with scripts for starting difficult conversations, such as suggesting a visit to the doctor. "It's just everything that I wish someone had given to my own family all those years ago," she said.
This Christmas, a simple act of connection could be the most valuable gift for an older person in your community, turning a potentially lonely period into one of warmth and remembrance.
