The so-called ’empty chair syndrome’, that hollow space left by those who have already left, appears strongly in the homes of the most vulnerable: the elderly. These are moments full of pain that make it even more difficult to cope with the loneliness that has already settled in the home.
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The loneliness of the elderly at Christmas is often not only a confrontation with the silence of an empty house, but also the suffering caused by the constant mourning for those loved ones who are no longer there. This is a reality that is especially prominent in large cities where these cases of extreme loneliness sometimes result in tragic episodes such as the discovery of elderly people who have been dead for several days without anyone noticing it.
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The danger of spending Christmas alone.
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One of the aspects that most concerns us as companies and organizations dedicated to the care of the elderly is the way in which loneliness can become a trigger for other problems. The absence of affection and attention can be more dangerous than the lack of adequate medical treatment. There are ailments that can only be cured by direct contact with other people.
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The World Health Organization itself warns that loneliness is a determining factor in increasing the physical and psychological deterioration of our elderly. Talking to them, accompanying them and making them feel loved and protected must be a constant 365 days a year, with special sensitivity on days as important as Christmas. Loneliness puts self-esteem at risk, accelerates cognitive deterioration, leads to home confinement, increases the chances of suffering cardiovascular problems and is closely related to early mortality.
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Fighting Loneliness at Christmas: Alternatives
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Faced with such a bleak outlook, is there a solution? Fortunately, yes, and they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in these calendar periods when no one should be left alone at home. Thus, in many countries there are already programs to prevent the loneliness of the elderly at Christmas: campaigns to ensure that adults receive the help and companionship they need.
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Marta Serrano López