The festive season is a time for friends, family and celebrations. But, as you grow older, it can also come with several challenges. Here’s a look at three you may find yourself facing for the first time – and what to do about them.

Challenge 1: Loneliness
If you’ve lost your spouse, or your children live in another province or country and you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of spending the next few weeks alone, start making your own festive season plans now. Reach out to others in your community who find themselves in a similar situation and plan an outing (or two or three). Need inspiration? Here are five wonderful ways to spend your morning. If you’re a resident at an Evergreen Lifestyle village, invite a friend or neighbour to a meal at the Bistro in the Lifestyle Centre, join a card game or one of the societies, clubs, or special interest groups that meet regularly, or sign up for a walking group (regular exercise is key to good mental health).

Challenge 2: Getting around
The festive season is a busy time for everyone and if you rely on others to drive you to the shops, your monthly hair appointment etc., you may be feeling anxious about being stuck at home. Fortunately, there’s no need to stress thanks to ‘ride hailing’ platforms like Uber which make it easier than ever to be independent. All you need to do is download the app (or ask someone you know to do it for you), then, when you’re ready to request your ride, follow these simple instructions from Uber.com:

1. Open your app and enter your destination in the “Where to?” field.
2. Swipe up to see all vehicle options available in your area. Tap one to select it for your ride, then tap “Choose Uber X”.
3. You may be asked to confirm your pickup location. If so, move the pin on the map, or select from a list of locations. Tap “Confirm Pickup” to send your request to eligible drivers in the area.
4. If you’re not asked to confirm your pickup, tap “Confirm UberX” to send your request to eligible drivers in the area.
5. Once a driver accepts your request, you’ll see their location and estimated time of arrival on the map.

Challenge 3: Gift shopping
Do you break into a cold sweat at the thought of having to brave the malls ahead of Christmas? It’s understandable given the number of people who descend on them each December, but thankfully, modern technology comes to the rescue again with some fantastic solutions.

• Online shopping
  Most large retailers offer online shopping these days and there are some great deals to be had, too. If you’re ordering gifts, just remember to get your order in early to make sure that they arrive before Christmas.

• Home deliveries
  Checkers has just launched Sixty60, a convenient grocery app that promises to have your groceries delivered in under just sixty minutes!