By Lisa Parent

Local initiatives address isolation felt by seniors during the holidays

Dec 11, 2023 | 4:50 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As we grow older, holidays can feel more stressful than the carefree days of our childhood filled with gifts and family fun. Seniors, in particular, often face heightened holiday stress and loneliness.

“You’re spending time making sure that the holiday season is a great time for your kids and your grandchildren, but often, seniors can get neglected,” says Larry Mathieson, the President and CEO of Unison Alberta.

The Veiner Centre in Medicine Hat is a facility run by Unison Alberta.

“We know that a lot of our seniors that we see may not have family living locally in Medicine Hat or may not have an extended social network as well,” Mathieson adds.

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Unison reports that one in five seniors describe feelings of prolonged loneliness year-round.

“There’s now studies coming out suggesting that if you’re experiencing chronic loneliness, well, it has almost the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” says Mathieson.

On top of that, Mathiesons says one in four seniors in Alberta are facing food insecurity. Being on a fixed income with the expectation of buying gifts for kids or grandchildren, can add extra stress to the holidays.

“So if you have transportation issues, if you have food insecurity, if you have loneliness, all those things can compile in a way that’s not too pleasant for older adults,” Mathieson explains. “It’s a time that we want to be happy, we want to be enjoying the (holiday) season, but if you have a couple of those disadvantages working against you, it’s very hard to experience it that way.”

On top of year-round services for seniors, like meals on wheels and veiner vintage transport, Unison is partnering with Aged Care and London Drugs in stockings for seniors. It’s a way to provide seniors with basic necessities and fun gifts, to brighten their holiday.

Another similar initiative has been operating for years in Redcliff is Santa for Seniors.

“Christmas is usually focused on children,” says Carrah Walter. “Some of the seniors don’t have family around town or their families far away and can’t be with them for the holidays.”

Santa for Seniors accept donations from winter gear to gift cards, all as a way to give back to long-time residents of Redcliff.

“Just to bring the spirit to the seniors and just the community involvement is just wonderful,” says Walter.

Mathieson says the most important thing to do as a community member this season is just being aware of the issue.

“It’s involving people and combating that loneliness,” explains Mathieson. “So if you know, or are related to a senior, definitely reaching out, making sure that they have lots to do during the season.”

Both the Veiner Centre and Redcliff Santa for Seniors are in need of donations and volunteers, to ensure everyone, not just kids, have happy holidays.