Across the world, families gather at Christmastime for fun and festive activities, but the holidays can be especially isolating for older adults, even for those residing in senior living communities. Research shows social isolation is associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression and other serious medical conditions, and older adults from marginalized communities are at an even greater risk.
Understanding the effects loneliness can have, Arrow Senior Living first launched its Holiday Cheer initiative in 2020, when COVID-19 forced many senior communities across the country into lockdown. Back then, social media was one of the best ways residents could connect with family and friends, so Arrow initiated a 38-day photo challenge starting on Dec. 1. Today, Holiday Cheer continues to evolve, with daily events scheduled across every Arrow community, beginning Thanksgiving Day and running through Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7.
This year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer enlivens the spirit while encouraging the pursuit of new knowledge. Residents have been invited to observe traditional religious holidays, including Christmas and Hanukkah, attending both tree-lighting ceremonies and the lighting of the menorah. The opportunity to find moments of joy sweeps over each community, bringing both nostalgia for the past and hope for the future.
Arrow has scheduled plenty of fun, creative events to engage in all season long. From cookie-baking and wreath-making to festive door decorating contests and caroling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Even the Grumps, Grinches and Bah Humbugs who seem just a little annoyed by all the holiday cheer soon find themselves immersed in community merrymaking too. Those less enthused about the festivities can celebrate Festivus on Dec. 23.
Holiday Cheer easily is a favorite among residents and employees, as the team recognizes that the holiday season is also the perfect time to explore lifelong learning and appreciation for different cultures and traditions. In addition to all the fun events and traditions residents experience during this year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer, they also have an opportunity to gather at other cultural and educational events to learn about the land they occupy; to break bread with their neighbors while celebrating Las Posadas; and to discover the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Those shared learning experiences are designed to help Arrow Senior Living continue to cultivate more inclusive communities and reinforce our core values — listening to understand and believing kindness can drive change in the world.
It’s not too late for senior living providers to think about their own holiday initiatives for this year and future years. Start by building on the existing calendar to include holiday traditions from around the world. Celebrations don’t have to be overwhelming or hosted on a large scale; smaller gatherings easily can include opportunities for residents to learn and share their own experiences. Partner with local historians or other experts to host fun, intergenerational celebrations and activities, and if they are open to it, ask residents to contribute by sharing the unique ways they celebrate their cultural traditions.
The absence of human connection can have devastating effects on mental health and well-being, and the Department of Health and Human Services has labeled loneliness as an epidemic. Senior living providers have an opportunity to offer solutions, cultivating communities where residents are not just surrounded by their peers — they are building meaningful relationships with one another, too.
This season, as Arrow celebrates its fourth annual Holiday Cheer initiative, our team is more dedicated than ever to ensuring residents have an amazing experience and something exciting to look forward to through the new year. No one should feel the sting of loneliness or social isolation, especially when surrounded by community. Arrow’s events are focused on bringing people together in an environment that encourages purpose and intentional connection.
So, whether residents are sipping gourmet hot cocoa by the fire, recording their own rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” at local recording studios, building the most epic gingerbread houses or learning about Icelandic folklore and the mischievous Yule lads, our team expects this year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer to have been our most joyous celebration yet.
Amanda Tweten is chief operating officer at Arrow Senior Living.
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The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.
