December ARTICLE: Loss/Grief. How to stay busy, importance of not being alone at the holidays
Managing Stress & Feelings of Loneliness During the Holidays
The holidays can be a very stressful time of year. For some, it can be a time of reflection of “days gone by”, which can bring about feelings of loneliness or sadness. Older adults and individuals who are grieving may be particularly vulnerable to these feelings. The holidays may become overwhelming. As a result, some may withdraw and avoid social interaction. Although avoidance is the path of least resistance, it’s important to maintain social connections.
The Importance of Connecting with others
Reaching out for support and companionship is key. Even if distance or circumstance separates you from family members and friends, try to maintain those connections. Reach out by telephone, video call, email, text or social media. Setting a date to meet in person in the near future gives you something to look forward to and creates a positive plan.
There are several ways to connect with others in your community. Many older adults visit the senior center or Council on Aging (COA) to connect with peers. Consider taking a class or participating in the variety of activities and events that are offered onsite. Need transportation assistance in getting there? Contact the COA and inquire about their transportation options.
OCES offers Community Dining meals Monday through Friday at local COAs and housing sites; these provide opportunities to socialize in addition to nutritious noontime meals.
Older adults who are homebound and unable to attend a Community Dining meal site may arrange to receive "Meals on Wheels" delivered to their home. Home-delivered meals provide an important connection to the community while also serving as a safety check.
Get Involved
Take on a new hobby or join a club or group that interests you. Attend a presentation at the public library, the local nature center, or art center such as genealogy, history, modern art and more. From exercise classes to book clubs and presentations on a wide variety of topics --genealogy, history, nature, modern art and more-- there are plenty of learning opportunities and ways to remain engaged.
Helping others is another way to improve your spirits and prevent feelings of loneliness or unhappiness. Checking in on a homebound neighbor, helping at the local community center, food pantry, animal shelter, OCES, or other nonprofit organization are all great ways of volunteering. Through volunteering, you’ll help others as well as meet new people and feel more connected to your community.
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring attention to ageism in society and its impact on individuals and communities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) in recognizing Ageism Awareness Day and promoting age-inclusion.
Read more … OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Expansion to Serve More - The organization now serves 34 communities across Plymouth County and the South Shore
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has expanded its territory to serve 11 additional towns in the South Shore.
by Kerry Zingaro
Putting the Spotlight on Local Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month – OCES Encourages Caregiver Nominations through October 12th
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, recognizes the dedication and compassion of family caregivers in our communities.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, one in four adults, 63 million Americans, are family caregivers. A significant number of family caregivers care for adults with complex medical conditions or disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
by Kerry Zingaro
For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
For the fourth consecutive year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, has been named as one of the “2026 Best Places to Work” by Cape & Plymouth Marketing.
Read more … For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
by Kerry Zingaro
SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Making it Grand. 5 Tips for Transitioning Routines to Support Back-to-school Schedules.
National Grandparents Day is a special day dedicated to honoring grandparents and recognizing the important roles they play in our families and communities. It is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which falls on September 13th this year.
by Kerry Zingaro
AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
Did you know that it’s National Wellness Month? This month, we celebrate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
It’s all about making self-care a priority, fostering healthy habits and reducing stress.
Read more … AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding area, has announced the schedule for the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program.
The monthly Saturday brunch program, operated and supported by OCES’ Nutrition Program, is for LGBTQ+ older adults who live on the South Shore and in the greater Plymouth County area.
Read more … OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
by Kerry Zingaro
Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June, two Marches Against Elder Abuse events brought hundreds together to raise awareness about elder abuse.
Read more … Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
by Kerry Zingaro
JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it also reminds us of another meaningful form of independence, one that is deeply valued across all cultures and communities, including the Cape Verdean and Asian communities, where older adults are honored for their wisdom, resilience, and important role within the family. Maintaining independence while aging is not only about remaining at home safely, but also about preserving dignity, cultural connections, and quality of life.
Read more … JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
by Kerry Zingaro
Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
A conversation with Armindo Rocha, Volunteer & Healthy Living Program Manager, Michelle Fontes, Adult Family Care Intake & Assessment Supervisor and Tremeda Martin, Home Care Transition Support Supervisor from OCES about National Minority Mental Health Month.
Read more … Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
