Connected for the Holidays: Supporting Solo Agers in Senior Living
The holidays are filled with warmth, music, and celebration, yet for many older adults, the season can also highlight the absence of family or loved ones. A growing group known as solo agers is changing how senior living communities think about engagement and connection.
Solo agers are adults who live without a spouse, partner, or children. According to the Administration for Community Living, about 28 percent of adults aged 65 and older in the United States live alone—more than 16 million people. Among adults over 75, 42 percent of women live alone compared with about 20 percent of men. The Mather Institute found that 42 percent of solo agers report lower life satisfaction and poorer mental health, often related to loneliness and limited social contact.
For Life Enrichment Professionals, this data underscores how purposeful engagement can directly shape resident well-being. With tools like Go Icon’s Smart Aging™ Co-Pilot, enrichment teams can identify residents who may benefit from deeper social connection and design programs that build belonging through meaningful relationships.
Understanding the Needs of Solo Agers
Solo agers often pride themselves on independence, but the holiday season can be a sensitive time. Familiar routines may stir nostalgia or highlight what has changed. Awareness of these emotional triggers helps Life Enrichment Professionals create programs that focus on inclusion and community instead of traditional family models.
Creating Belonging Through Connection
1. Build “Friend Families”
Instead of relying on staff pairings, use Go Icon’s Friend Matcher feature to connect residents who share similar interests or backgrounds. Create small “holiday pods” where new friendships can grow through shared meals, decorating projects, or themed outings. These connections often extend well beyond the holidays and strengthen overall community engagement.
2. Elevate Purpose and Participation
Encourage residents to take ownership of the season by leading or co-hosting activities. Solo agers who help decorate, teach a class, or run a trivia game often feel a renewed sense of belonging. Recognize their efforts during community gatherings to reinforce the value of contribution.
3. Encourage Virtual Connection
When families live far away, technology can close the distance. Go Icon’s Family Engagement Tools make it easy to share photos, record video greetings, or schedule live virtual visits. Even a short digital connection can brighten a resident’s day and remind them they are part of a wider circle of care.
4. Use Storytelling as Connection
Invite residents to share holiday memories through writing or group discussions. These moments not only create conversation but also help residents find common threads in their experiences. Displaying their stories throughout the community encourages empathy and pride.
Extending Connection Beyond the Holidays
Holiday initiatives can evolve into ongoing programs that continue to nurture social and emotional wellness. Consider:
- Solo Agers Club – a recurring social group where residents plan events, share hobbies, and support one another.
- Legacy Workshops – projects that allow residents to record their life stories or create memory books.
- Community Outreach Teams – volunteer programs that help residents give back to local causes, strengthening purpose year-round.
Using the data and insights available in Go Icon’s Smart Aging™ Co-Pilot, teams can identify which programs resonate most and adjust calendars accordingly to maintain high engagement.
The Role of Life Enrichment Teams
Life Enrichment Professionals play a unique role during the holidays. They are the connectors, the storytellers, and the architects of belonging. By paying attention to participation trends, observing who may be attending fewer activities, and personally reaching out, they can transform moments of isolation into opportunities for inclusion.
The goal is simple: ensure every resident feels they have someone to celebrate with. A kind word, a shared meal, or an intentional invitation can turn the season into something memorable for everyone.
The holidays remind us that family is not only defined by relatives but by the community we build together. Solo agers bring valuable experiences, perspectives, and creativity to senior living. With thoughtful programming and support from Go Icon’s Smart Aging™ tools, Life Enrichment Professionals can make sure no one celebrates alone this season.
Belonging is the greatest gift, and it starts with connection.