CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Medicare FAQ survey recently shared statistics stating that many adults over the age of 65 often struggle with feelings of loneliness, especially around the holidays. Among those surveyed, 57% said they felt lonely, and three in four of those seniors will not see family on New Year's Eve or Day.
Distance from family and friends, the lack of social opportunities, combined with the loss of loved ones can be a difficult challenge that many seniors have to face.
3News visited a retirement community working to brighten the days of seniors year-round- especially during the holidays.
At the Mirador Retirement Community, they make sure no senior feels forgotten.
Butch Robinson is one of those seniors living at Mirador. He said that while life can be a bit puzzling at times, your outlook does not have to be.
"Loneliness is a state of mind. It's a choice."
Before Butch Robinson became a resident of the Mirador Retirement Community, his late wife Mary Ann received rehabilitation here. Butch was her caregiver.
"That was challenging, I'm an engineer by profession. Nursing and anything like that is the furthest thing from my mind."
What he needed most was support.
"The closest I got to loneliness and thinking about it, was the Christmas before she passed."
Luckily for Butch, support was on the way.
"She got great care, but when she finally passed. Within a couple of days, my friends here reached out and said, 'Ok Butch, it's time for you to rejoin society."
Ely Rhey is the lifestyle & wellness director at Mirador.
"Staying connected to your community is a form of self-care. That will help you live longer and have a better quality of life."
Rhey said that it's the presence of your friends that can make all the difference. The lifestyle director can be seen dressing as Santa in Christmas events at the retirement community.
"When you can connect people with the same hobbies, with the same interests, that's when that community starts to grow."
Kay, Karen, and Malvina are also residents at the Mirador. They said that their schedules are booked with activities this holiday season. For them, there's no time to feel lonely.
"In a sense I felt badly, because I had family events, which caused me to miss a few events here," said Karen.
"I don't think we need to be felt sorry for… I also missed some of the activities that were going on that seemed so good and I was not able to attend," said Malvina.
Together, they are proving life doesn't wait for anyone.
As for Butch Robinson, it's safe to say he is glad he rejoined that community.
"Life is out there. Let's go do it. Go find some people, some like-minded people to go do it with."