The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family, but they can also be a lonely time for some older adults.

And for someone this holiday season could be even harder than previous years, said AARP Arizona State Director Dana Kennedy, since the population has been especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The jolly messaging all around them can add to their feelings of loneliness, she said. 

“If you turn on your TV what do you see? You see commercials of families getting together and being happy and laughing. What if you are all alone and you don’t have a family to be a happy and to laugh with?” Kennedy said. 

She recommends reaching out and calling someone who you know is alone, especially if they’ve lost a loved one. Older adults can also call the "Be Connected AZ" line at 866-429-8387.