For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration - but it can often bring loneliness and isolation for older adults.

Steve Morrison, a volunteer with AARP Virginia, described the holidays as the worst time for isolation - a challenge he knows well after years of caregiving for his wife.

He highlighted mobility as a significant issue for seniors with limited ability to walk, access transportation, and manage health challenges.

Drawing from his own experiences, Morrison has been addressing isolation through community-building efforts, a mission he began well before the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the problem.

"You have to get out there some way, either online, by phone, or in conversation with neighbors - and let people know that you're in isolation and you just need someone to talk to," said Morrison. "At least in my neighborhood, that has worked for me and for others. The neighbors have really stepped up. "

Morrison launched a monthly luncheon in McLean, Virginia, to help people connect over a meal.

The initiative has been a success, with up to 50 attendees per event, though he now caps it at 40 after an earlier turnout of 75 overwhelmed the venue.

He recommended resources like the National Institute on Aging, and AARP's Connect2Affect program - which offer tools to assess isolation, find volunteer opportunities, and access local support.

While Morrison's program is one of the few remaining events in his area since COVID, he said he hopes to inspire others to create similar opportunities.

He said he was deeply moved by how his neighbors rallied to provide meals when surgeries left him and his wife homebound.

"You just gotta be proactive. Even though you may be limited to transportation or your mobility. You just got to let people know, you have neighbors close by that are more than willing to help," said Morrison. "So that would be the first place that I would start. But these other websites if you have technology options, all have really good suggestions. "

Such as the Fairfax County Virginia website.

According to AARP, there is a 26% increased risk of early death due to feeling lonely.

Some other tips to combat isolation include adopting a pet if you can care for one, signing up for classes at your local library, restarting an old hobby, or scheduling set times to interact with family and friends - in person, by email, social media, voice call, or text.

However, Morrison cautioned against too much dependence on social media.

At least 10,000 people retire every day in the United States, with nearly half of them relying on Social Security as their sole source of income.

As lawmakers debate cuts to social service programs, AARP Nebraska has launched a campaign to draw attention to its importance.

AARP Nebraska's "90 days to 90 years" marks the Social Security administration's anniversary in August.

AARP Nebraska state director Todd Stubbendieck said in its 90 years, Social Security has never missed a payment to recipients - and a lot of Nebraskans are relying on that money.

"Forty-three percent of Nebraskans rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their family income, and 17% rely on Social Security for 90% of their income," said Stubbendieck. "So, this program, has direct impacts both on our state and at the individual level."

AARP Nebraska is encouraging Social Security recipients to add their names to an online Pledge for Action to support Social Security, which turns 90 years old on August 15.

Federal lawmakers are debating cuts to federal programs in the Trump administration's budget reconciliation bill that could include changes in Social Security benefits.

Stubbendieck said reductions to the service would be historic.

"I think one of the best things about Social Security is that it has always been a bipartisan issue," said Stubbendieck. "For 65 years, AARP has worked with every president and every Congress on Social Security, so we're confident it will continue to be a bipartisan, popular initiative."

Nearly 371,000 Nebraskans, or nearly one in five people, receive a total of more than $7.7 billion in Social Security benefits every year.

Next Monday marks the beginning of "PROTECT" week, when AARP helps seniors learn the signs of financial fraud.

Experts say Maryland seniors can protect themselves and their finances through education. According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost nearly $5 billion due to fraud in 2024, increasing 25% from the previous year. A poll from the University of Michigan found 75% of adults from ages 50 to 80 experienced a scam attempt, and 30% experienced fraud.

Karen Morgan, a member of the AARP Maryland executive council, said a government agency would never call someone out of the blue if there's a problem.

"If the caller is asking or demanding that you do something immediately, that's a huge red flag," she said. "If they're telling you that there's something urgent that you're about to be arrested, that's a huge red flag. You can't get arrested over the phone."

Victims age 60 and older experienced an average loss of more than $80,000, according to AARP.

Jane Dean was a victim of senior financial fraud. She received a call from someone posing as a government agent for the Social Security Administration. Eventually, she paid the scammers more than $25,000.

She said one of the biggest lessons from her own fraud case is taking a pause when you receive an alarming call. She explained that thinking the situation through could save someone from losing thousands of dollars.

"They just need to stop. Stop and just dial it back when you find yourself in a heightened emotional state in response to either a text, phone or email," she said. "That's the most important thing. Put the brakes on."

AARP is streaming a number of free workshops, town halls and interviews on elder financial abuse from Monday through June 20.

June is Brain Awareness Month, and experts say Virginia seniors should consider decluttering their homes to improve brain health.

According to an expert with Hacksensack Meridian Health, decluttering can decrease stress, improve sleep quality, and increase focus.

Leslie Pendleton, community ambassador with AARP Virginia, said she often sees two types of seniors who want to declutter - those who have retired, and those who have begun to experience health struggles.

"Health issues that crop up that are signs that people need to start thinking about downsizing," said Pendleton, "and to downsize, you've got to declutter. That's the first part of the process. You can't take it all with you, in other words."

Experts with Nuvance Health says clutter makes it difficult for your brain to focus on one specific thing, splitting your attention and causing sensory overload.

They say constant sensory overload can lead to increased mental fatigue.

But who should be involved in the decluttering process? Many seniors have children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews that may desire to keep some of their relative's treasures.

Pendleton said having a plan about who gets what is essential.

"It can create family turmoil if the person who is downsizing and decluttering doesn't already have some form of an estate plan in place, a will," said Pendleton. "They haven't necessarily thought out who they want to have what, so that's part of the process too."

Pendleton added that younger people are part of what she calls the 'IKEA generation,' often having less clutter and wanting less things.

Those interested in learning more can are encouraged to sign-up for an upcoming ARP Virginia decluttering workshop led by Pendleton.