Happy Holidays Neighbor! takes aim at senior isolation

OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the Orange County Board of Supervisors is calling on residents to safely connect with their elderly neighbors amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Happy Holidays Neighbor! is a public-awareness micro-campaign targeted at raising awareness of the dangers related to senior isolation and suggesting ways everyday citizens can reach out and make a difference.

“No one should be alone during the holidays,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District supervisor. “The Happy Holidays Neighbor! microcampaign connects seniors with local neighbors who can provide help and support.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, there are many public health risks linked to social isolation and loneliness.

With one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older considered to be socially isolated, this makes seniors more susceptible to serious medical conditions, such as dementia and heart disease. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic threatens to further cut off seniors from regular social engagement as well as limit their ability to access needed food, supplies and medication. During the holiday period, seniors face additional challenges related to gift buying, mailing packages and decorating their home exteriors.

“Seniors are among the most at-risk for contracting COVID- 19, which is why many have chosen to isolate themselves for the past nine months,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “Because of this, seniors have never felt more isolated than they do now. Reaching out to a senior neighbor, in a safe way, can help reduce their loneliness and anxiety. The County’s Office on Aging provides many handouts and other resources to help you get started.”

“It’s all about taking action,” indicated Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District. “One call, one errand, or one holiday connection can be the difference in making this holiday season special to a senior.”

The Happy Holidays Neighbor! public awareness microcampaign suggests ways to connect and support seniors this holiday season in a COVID-safe manner that focuses on physical distancing but still maintain a social connection.

It features a printable postcard that neighbors can fill out and send to local seniors, asking what assistance they need and providing the neighbor’s contact information. Additionally, the micro-campaign provides information about county and local senior resources that are important during the holiday season.

“Connecting people during the holidays can make all the difference,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Seniors who are homebound or physical distancing during COVID-19 may look forward to a cheerful greeting or holiday helping hand.”

“The physical health of our seniors is critical, but we can’t overlook the importance of mental health,” stated Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “The holidays are a time to come together to show how much we care for the health and well-being of our seniors.”

For more information on how residents can support neighbors in their community, visit the County’s Office on Aging website at officeonaging.ocgov.com.