While many enjoy gift shopping, friendly gatherings and white elephant parties, there are some that don’t feel the holiday cheer as much as others may. According to NCBI, 43% of adults ages 60 and older have reported feeling lonely. Such feelings of isolation are especially amplified during the holiday season. 

The good news is that you can help the elderly overcome their holiday blues. Here are five ways to show appreciation and love to seniors this holiday season: 

1. Send handwritten letters

Unlike emails, handwritten notes have a 99% open rate. There’s nothing better than carefully opening an envelope personally addressed to you and pulling out a card. Kind words can positively impact a person’s day and mood. 

Although 37% of Americans recently reported not having written and sent a letter in over five years, that number can change, and it can start with you! Choose an elderly family member or neighbor that is in need of extra attention this season and write them a personalized note. If you don’t know what to write, here are a few ideas:

• Wish them a happy holiday.
• Share a memorable experience you had with them.
• Thank them for something.
• Include a holiday tradition you are excited about this year.
• Tell them about your day.
• Ask them questions that could encourage them to write back.

Sending a handwritten letter is a perfect way to improve a senior’s mood and make them feel loved during the holidays. 

2. Visit a nursing home

Seniors love to socialize, and many nursing homes are open for visitations right now. 

Maria Elena Cardona, activities director at Newport Nursing & Rehab Center, shares how special it is for residents to receive visitors. “It completely changes their day,” she says. “Many of our residents don’t have family or friends nearby, so when a local school or church group visits the facility, it is such a treat for our residents.”

Next week, make a commitment to block time out of your schedule to visit the elderly. Before visiting, call a local facility to ensure you meet all the visitation requirements. Some facilities require negative COVID tests and masks, while others don’t. 

If the facility has activities throughout the week, like a game hour, that may be a perfect time to stop by. Residents would love your assistance in winning their favorite game. 

3. Go caroling

Buddy the Elf said it best: “The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Whether or not your vocals sound like Mariah Carey’s, singing is the perfect way to brighten a senior’s day. 

You can do this in two ways: 1) Gather a group of friends together and carol to seniors in your neighborhood (just make sure you don’t go too late!) or 2) find a nearby retirement center and schedule a time to carol to the residents.

Caroling is the perfect service activity for you and your family or friends. Often, as you are singing, you’ll notice that the seniors may start to sing along with you. No one can resist the classic holiday songs, like “Frosty the Snowman” or “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!” 

4. Plan a holiday meal

Did you know that nearly one-third of American senior citizens live alone? That is a lot of elderly individuals aging by themselves.

Many seniors yearn for good company. One way to show your love for a senior is to cook their favorite holiday meal and eat it with them. Consider making the occasion special: Bring flowers to their house, cook the meal there and have a sitdown dinner at the kitchen table. Ask them questions about their life and listen intently. Seniors have a lot to share, including entertaining stories and good advice. Take this opportunity to learn from them. 

5. Pick up the phone and call

Your elderly loved one may not live close to you, making it impossible to visit them. That doesn’t mean you can’t show your love and support. Sometimes a simple phone call can make their day. If you have an elderly loved one, don’t forget to call them this holiday season to see how they are doing and wish them a happy holiday. Doing so can help them feel like they are not forgotten despite the distance and their age. 

The holidays can be hard for the elderly, especially if they live alone or far away from their loved ones. This season, make an effort to show love to seniors. Consider writing a heartfelt letter, visiting a local nursing home, caroling, cooking a yummy holiday meal or calling an elderly loved one to chat. These activities, while simple, can help seniors fight their seasonal blues. 

No one should celebrate the holidays alone. By giving your time to the elderly, you can help them feel remembered and appreciated during what should be the happiest time of the year. 

Marisa Gooch is a project manager at Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Provo.