The holidays are usually shown as a time for joy and connection. However, for many—especially those with disabilities or limited mobility—this period can actually increase feelings of loneliness and isolation. When family is distant, support is inconsistent, and joining in activities is hard. The risk is real: social isolation is a serious public health issue with measurable effects on both physical and mental well-being.

Why social isolation matters, especially during the holidays

Elevated risk among people with disabilities

In the U.S., over 40% of individuals with a disability, a chronic condition or a mental-health condition report feelings of loneliness or social isolation. [1]

People with disabilities are at higher risk of low social connectedness, which is compounded during times of transition or less-structured social opportunities like the holidays.

Health consequences of social isolation

• The U.S. Surgeon General advises that a lack of social connection is associated with a greater chance of premature death, similar to other major health risks. [2]
• One cohort study found that among older adults surviving critical illness, each 1-point increase in a social-isolation score was associated with a 14% increase in 1-year mortality risk. [3]
• During the winter holidays, older and isolated adults may experience increased loneliness, which can lead to worse health outcomes. [4]

The holiday season can increase isolation for people with disabilities who already deal with systemic hurdles, raising the stakes for their health.

Holiday-specific amplifiers of isolation
The holidays present unique triggers:

• Expectation of family gatherings can highlight the absence of connection or support for many individuals.
• Winter, shorter daylight hours and inclement weather may limit mobility or in-person opportunities.
• A change in the routine and barriers of accessibility, like transportation, location, and sensory overload, may make participation harder.
• Travel, cost, health concerns and caregiving demands may reduce one’s ability to be with others.
• Virtual choices are common, but issues with internet access and digital accessibility prevent people with disabilities from joining in.

The holidays are more than just a typical time; they represent a significant increase in the threat of isolation and its resulting health issues.

Practical strategies to combat isolation during the holidays

Here are tangible steps individuals, families and care partners can take to reduce social isolation during the holidays. Many are tailored to the needs and strengths of people with disabilities.

Strengthen & diversify your connections.

• Schedule regular check-ins: Arrange a weekly or bi-weekly video call, phone call or in-person visit (where possible) with a friend, family member, or peer. Predictability helps build connection.
• Expand beyond your main group: Peer-support groups, disability-friendly community programs or online forums can be great sources for connections. Building a wider social net helps during times when the immediate family can’t gather.
• Use accessible virtual gatherings: If travel or mobility is an issue, plan a virtual holiday coffee, game night or storytelling session. Ensure that captions, screen reader compatibility and accessible design are in place.
• Go out with a buddy: If you attend gatherings in person, bring a friend or support person along; even a quick trip can provide major benefits.
• Digital peer-groups: Join or start online groups focused on holiday activities for people with disabilities (crafts, storytelling, adaptive sports reflections). Regular meetings build social structure.

Involve community organizations and support.

• Partner with disability-friendly venues: Ask local libraries, community centers, faith groups or social clubs to host accessible holiday events (quiet hours, mobility-friendly routes, inclusive programming).
• Utilize NCHPAD resources: Use NCHPAD’s inclusive fitness, social-connection and health-promotion resources to plan adaptive holiday-friendly activities.
• Volunteer or buddy: Being a “connector” is a strong buffer against isolation. Volunteer to reach out to others with disabilities who may be alone this season and invite them into your activity.

If you have holiday plans

Create meaningful participation

• Define your “holiday role”: Whether it’s leading music, telling a story, showing a craft or helping plan, having a valued role combats passivity and isolation.
• Simplify virtual access: Use a tool you’re comfortable with. Pre-test connections, mic/sound, captions. Send simple written instructions or have a “tech-buddy” ready.
• Hybrid in-person/virtual gatherings: Set up a shared slideshow of holiday memories where people upload pictures, and then reflect together in-person or virtually.

Know Before You Go

• Check transit and mobility support early: For gatherings, verify that transportation pick-up spots, drop-off locations, accessible parking and restrooms are available. If the weather is a barrier, consider coordinating with rideshare services or virtual attendance.
• Accessibility first: Before gatherings, ask about access (entrances, sensory environment, parking, restrooms, support staffing). If needed, suggest alternate arrangements (quiet room, slide show instead of loud karaoke, accessible transport).
• Sensory and fatigue management: Holiday settings may be loud, crowded and tiring. Find a quiet space, bring some noise-cancelling headphones, plan a shorter stay or have an exit plan.

Reflect and Take Care of Yourself

• Create a “Holiday Connection Plan”: Before the season begins, list 2–3 meaningful social goals (e.g., “Have a video call with my cousin every other Thursday,” “Attend a community accessible event,” “Share a holiday memory with a friend”).
• Track and celebrate your actions: Even small actions like sending a card, texting a holiday greeting, or having a five-minute chat are meaningful. Recognize your progress.
• Be kind to yourself: If you feel isolated, remember it’s not a personal failure. Barriers to accessibility can often be out of our control. Take things one moment at a time and ask for help.
• Prioritize your physical and mental health: Isolation can lead to anxiety, depression and fatigue. Schedule breaks, get restful sleep, stay physically active (even simple stretching), and seek emotional support if needed.
• Set realistic expectations: It’s okay if you cannot attend every gathering or participate fully. Recognize your limits, express your needs and plan for different types of connections (one-on-one, smaller groups or virtual).

Closing thoughts

For people with disabilities, the risk of social isolation is higher year-round and can become more pronounced during this season. But the steps above show that we can turn the tide. At NCHPAD, we believe that every person deserves to feel connected and supported. This season, let’s commit: to reach out, to invite in, to plan ahead and to include. Because a healthy holiday isn’t just about good food or festive décor, it’s about good connections.

From all of us at NCHPAD: Happy Holidays, stay connected, stay well and enjoy making meaningful memories.

References

1-Statista. (2023, November 29). Loneliness and isolation in the U.S. in 2018, by physical or mental health condition. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1082853/loneliness-and-isolation-by-physical-or-mental-health-condition-us/#:~:text=Loneliness%20and%20isolation%20in%20the,physical%20or%20mental%20health%20condition&text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%2040,experiencin

2-General, O. O. T. S. (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK595227/

3- Falvey, Jason R., Andrew B. Cohen, John R. O’Leary, Linda Leo-Summers, Terrence E. Murphy, and Lauren E. Ferrante. 2021. “Association of Social Isolation with Disability Burden and 1-Year Mortality among Older Adults with Critical Illness.” JAMA Internal Medicine 181 (11). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.5022.

4-Margaret.Faust. (2024, January 15). Social isolation among elderly peaks in winter months. WPR. https://www.wpr.org/health/mental-health/social-isolation-among-elderly-peaks-in-winter-months