‘Seniors can be disproportionately affected:’ combatting holiday isolation and financial stress [Video]

FORT ST. JOHN –While the holiday season brings joy to many, it also highlights isolation and financial barriers faced by seniors in the Peace Region.

“Seniors can be disproportionately affected by the holiday season in negative ways, largely around social isolation and loneliness,” says Theodore Cosco, Associate Professor of Mental Health and Aging at Simon Fraser University.

According to a report by the National Seniors Council, approximately half of people over 80 report feeling lonely.

Cosco says a way to combat the issue is social connectedness and physical activity to maintain positive mental health.

“Do the best that you can with the resources and the capacity that you have,” explained Cosco, “use technology enabled methods of connecting socially.”

Financial stressors, especially for those on a fixed income, present additional challenges during the holidays.

“There is that social expectation to buy your friends and family, kids and grandkids gifts, when …