It’s December and the holiday season is in full swing. It’s the time of year for good food and good friends and family—at least for most of us. But for many others the holidays are a reminder of just how lonely they are. Loneliness is more than an emotional issue; it has real implications for physical and mental health. A lack of social connection is associated with an increased risk of disease, anxiety, depression, and dementia.

“Caregivers often experience isolation and loneliness due to the demanding nature of their responsibilities. The lack of time for personal social activities and the emotional toll of caregiving can increase feelings of loneliness,” said Sara McDonald, Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging director. “The good news is that loneliness doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem.”

The Age Friendly Lackawanna Collaborative and community providers have identified more that 120 caregivers in Lackawanna County this Holiday season. To thank them for their dedication, the collaborative will deliver more than 252 meals on Friday for the Caregivers and the people for whom they care.

“We will provide them some respite by delivering a hot meal along with information and resources to help combat loneliness and protect the mental health of an older loved one this holiday and beyond,” McDonald said.

The Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging administers the Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program, which helps people who take care of others. It offers resources and support to make caregiving easier and to keep a good relationship with the person being cared for. The program aims to reduce caregiver stress and focuses on the caregiver’s well-being by providing Respite Care. That includes temporary relief for caregivers, formal and informal support services, and financial reimbursement for caregiving costs and supplies. A care manager is assigned to each caregiver. The manager visits the home, assesses the caregiver’s needs, works with the individual to develop a personal plan of care, and works to secure needed support. More information on the program is available at the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, 570-963-6740.

The Area Agency on Aging relies on nonprofits like Meals on Wheels of NEPA to provide meals to older residents. Often, the volunteer delivering the meal is the only person with whom the elderly resident has contact.

“Our mission is to not only feed our older population, but to be a lifeline for those who are most isolated and alone”, said Meals on Wheels of NEPA Executive Director Lindsey Skripka. “It takes a tremendous amount of volunteer time and donations. Being a part of an Age Friendly Collaborative helps bring community resources together to support initiatives such as this. If you have either to give, please help us.”

The Age Friendly Lackawanna Collaborative comprises dozens of social service, health care, government and other organizations that serve older adults, and is led by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties.

“We recognize the importance of fostering livable environments that promote healthy aging, accessibility, and participation across all stages of life” said Mike Casetllano, United Way special projects manager. “Together, we are tackling issues that affect older adults such as social isolation, loneliness, food insecurity, technology barriers, transportation and financial stability.” For more information, contact the United Way at 570-347-1267, extension 311. or visit Social Connectivity for older adults - United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike.