During the holiday season, many will struggle with increased feelings of loneliness – especially seniors, who spend more time alone than the average adult.

According to Meals on Wheels America, one in four U.S. seniors live alone. Isolation can cause detrimental health issues, including heightened risk of heart disease, dementia and premature death. The holidays also bring their own challenges for isolated seniors, as they may struggle with increased lack of mobility and grief over lost loved ones.

In September, the Jean Griswold Foundation partnered with Meals on Wheels America to tackle the senior isolation epidemic. We at Griswold Home Care have seen first-hand how companionship improves one’s wellbeing, and we’re proud to support an organization that shares our mission of helping people live fulfilling lives at home. This season, we encourage you to join our efforts by checking on your aging loved ones often.