Most elderly parents prefer to live in the sanctuary of their homes. However, family members may feel unease with that idea, especially if their senior loved ones have no one to look after them. Not only do we feel like it’s not safe for our aging parents to live by themselves, but the fact that loneliness can affect both their mental and emotional well-being.

We only want what’s best for our elders, and there are a couple of things you can do to help ease senior loneliness.

Always find time to interact with them.

There is nothing better than having quality time with your loved one. For seniors, since they are now retired and have lots of time to spare, social isolation becomes quite common, so make sure to make it a point to interact with them as often as you can. 

Set up dinner dates and family days, and don’t forget about special occasions. Call, text, or message them as often as you can. Our hectic schedule should never be an excuse.

Take them to events they would surely enjoy.

You know what your senior wants, and if you don’t, you can always ask them. Getting them out of the confinement of their homes to do things they love doing will lift their spirits and take the loneliness away, even for a couple of hours. Make sure that all activities are safe and that they can handle whatever event they are about to attend.

Give them a wonderful gift of life.

What’s the best way to combat loneliness? Get them an excellent pet they can handle and take care of themselves! Is your aging dad a dog lover? Why not get him a dog? Is your mom a fan of cats? Then maybe it’s time to give her a cat of her own. 

Pets are capable of giving humans a sense of purpose. If you get your senior family member a pet of there, they will have something to look forward to every day. Make sure to pick an appropriate pet – like a well-behaved dog, and they can enjoy the many benefits that are both fun and rewarding. 

Teach them how to use gadgets and the internet.

With all the technological innovations we have nowadays, you can do many things with just a couple of taps and clicks. Consider introducing your older loved to social media and teach them how to use gadgets. It can be a great distraction, plus they can easily maintain a connection while opening up a whole new world to them. 

Also read: 5 superb reasons why ASUS ZENFONE 2 LASER 5.5S is the best gift for your mother

The Takeaway

If you, as a young and robust adult, can feel lonely sometimes, imagine how much more can your elderly parents must be feeling right now. Don’t let them experience loneliness and isolation when you can do something to ease their pain. If only we take some of our precious time to call, visit, and get someone who can take care of them while we are away, they’ll be a lot happier, healthier, and safer. 

I am trying to complete Mommy Levy 100 Blog Ideas and for Day 3, it says to share something about yourself. I actually don’t know what to share since my life is kinda an open book, or open youtube channel. What is it that you would still want to know about me? I can’t think of any! A quick glance (ok about 30 minutes haha) on my Facebook mommy group (please join if you are a Pinay mom, look for Mommy Blogger Pehpot MOMMY CLUB), and I know what I can share with you.

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Something about me: Every January, I try to remind myself to start making plans for Christmas and start listing people and gift ideas.. more often than not, or actually every year, I never got the chance to. I always end up rushing my shopping and at least forget two or 3 persons. So this year, I am sharing with you my list so that I won’t forget.

Christmas 2019 Wish Gift List

Family includes my immediate family and my relatives. So far, from the past years, I have managed to perfect this list. The main reason is, we only give gifts to kids and oldies, not everyone in the family. This year, I will be trying to get everyone something (kahit mug or medyas lang!).

Friends list includes my closest friends and their kids and of course my godchildren. Hopefully this year I will be able to deliver all gifts. From past experiences, some of the gifts I prepared ends up in our storage area.

Work related list includes people I (and the Kumare Bloggers) have worked with this year. Last year, we made a lot of blunders and we were in a hurry. This year, I want it to be more personal and slow pacing. As early as now, I am already planning our route. Hear that Peachy, Badet, and Levy! haha

School list is basically teachers, close classmates, clinic, and service. Back when my kids were still studying in a smaller school, I used to give gifts to everyone because I know everyone. With the school’s size, it’s easy to be friends with everyone. Now, the kids are going to a much much bigger school, my only interaction is with the teacher and the clinic.. maybe this year I can extend it with a simple meryenda for each department. What do you think?

Community. This is the list that usually gets the least attention and most often than not, the list where I usually do the last minute Christmas shopping. I want to be more organized than that! This list includes our health care providers (Pedia, OB, and Dentist) as well as their secretaries. This list also includes personnels here in our village.

You might be wondering why it was categorized as such. It’s not about the budget but just to be organized and easier to track. So there you have it, this is something about me that I am sharing to you today.