Feeling The Holiday Blues? Fostering Intergenerational Friendships

Feeling the holiday blues? You’re not alone. Up to 50% of American adults experience loneliness, which can be especially poignant during the holidays. But there’s hope! Engaging with community groups or volunteering can open the door to new friendships and meaningful connections across generations. Let’s make this holiday season about connection and renewal. 

Fostering Intergenerational Friendships

For many, the holiday season highlights the joys of family gatherings and the warmth of home. However, not everyone has such relationships to lean on, which can make the season feel isolating. Loneliness is associated with several health risks, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and premature death.

However, there are alternatives for people without traditional family connections or role models. Forging meaningful bonds with others who share our interests and making cross-generational friendships can offer a renewed sense of community and joy. In fact, there are an increasing number of programs specifically designed to promote connections between generations—relationships that benefit everyone involved.

So even without meaningful family connections, we can still connect through the generations to find meaningful relationships around the holidays and throughout the year.

Here are some other ways to connect with others during the holidays and beyond:

Join community groups: Look for community centers, clubs, or groups that align with your interests. These can be book clubs, hobby-based groups, spiritual communities, or volunteer organizations. The holidays often bring about special events and gatherings which can be a great opportunity to meet new people who could become mentors or friends.

Volunteer: Volunteering during the holidays is not only a way to give back, but also a chance to meet others in a meaningful context. Whether it’s helping out at a food bank, organizing a community event, or assisting at a senior center, these activities can put you in touch with people from different walks of life, potentially leading to lasting relationships.

Explore senior centers: Senior centers are hubs of activity, and many offer cross-generational programs. Many seniors possess a wealth of experience and wisdom to share and often look forward to connecting with younger generations. Participating in organized activities or just visiting to share a conversation can be mutually enriching.

Attend local events: Check out local event calendars for holiday concerts, public tree lightings, craft fairs, or workshops. These settings can provide a relaxed atmosphere to spark conversations and meet others who might be looking for companionship during the holidays as well.

Join online communities: If physical mobility or geographic location is a constraint, online communities and forums can also help build relationships. Look for online groups focused on topics you’re passionate about, from cooking and reading to photography and tech. 

Building new bonds during the holidays can transform the season into a period of growth and warmth. By reaching out and engaging with the community, you can forge new, meaningful relationships that may enrich not just this holiday season but many more to come.