The Christmas and holiday season is full of festive spirit. It’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends to enjoy the festivities. However, seniors may feel left out. So, during this winter’s celebrations take the time to include your elderly loved ones in the activities to make it a more meaningful and memorable holiday season.
It may be hard for seniors to participate in some holiday activities. Health changes such as hearing or vision loss or dementia can make seniors feel isolated and left out of holiday activities. So be sure to make the necessary modifications to be more inclusive for your loved ones. Use bright lighting to help people with age-related eye or seeing problems. Reduce background noise and speak loud and clear for family members who have hearing impairments. And for your loved ones with dementia or memory loss, it might be a good idea to have a simplified celebration and have family members wear name badges to help with remembering names. As you celebrate this season, encourage the rest of your family to participate in holiday activities that will support your senior relatives.
Reminisce about Holidays Past by Sharing Stories and Memories
Remembering past holidays may help people with memory loss, so encourage them to share their memories. This is a great way to help seniors feel included in the celebrations and it will be special for the rest of the family as well. Sharing their stories and memories can help elder relatives to bond with the younger generations. Film your loved one so the memory can be shared during future Christmases and will ensure that the memory lives on for future generations.
Watch Festive Movies
Everyone has a nostalgic holiday movie that helps put them in the spirit of the season. And watching movies together is an easy activity that many seniors are able to do along with others. So, make some hot cocoa, snuggle up with some cozy blankets, and pop in a classic holiday movie. Discuss the movie with your loved one after to make some extra special memories.
Trim the Tree
Invite your older relatives over to trim the tree or bring them a tree to decorate in their residence. They may not be able to climb a ladder to hang lights, but they can do simple activities like cut out paper snowflakes or string popcorn garland. Going through sentimental ornaments may help bring up memories that lead to interesting conversations. And don’t forget to include grandchildren to make the time more merry.
Sing Christmas Carols
Singing and listening to carols and classic Christmas songs is a great way to evoke memories of past Christmases. Most older adults will find heartfelt holiday cheer by singing Christmas tunes plus it’s the perfect way for the entire family to participate in an activity together.
Write Holiday Cards
Holiday cards are an old fashioned tradition that most seniors will enjoy doing during the holidays. They’ll be able to connect with distant relatives and friends from the comfort of their own home. Some seniors may not be able to write their own cards anymore, so be sure to have a family member or caregiver help to prevent frustration. Let grandchildren help with making or writing cards so kindle a strong connection and for cute results.
Attend Holiday Events in the Community
December is full of holiday events in most communities. Attend a play, concert, dinner, or other community event to get your elder relatives in the holiday spirit. Churches, schools, and assisted living communities also have events that the entire family can attend. If your older loved one isn’t able to leave home, there are now many virtual events online that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their own couch.
Try Traditional Recipes
Cooking traditional recipes with your older relatives is fun way to connect to their past. It will help them to reminisce about their childhood Christmases. Explore your grandparent’s recipe box and make recipes to celebrate the holiday season the way they used to. You can also try making new holiday recipes to start a new tradition.
Whatever holiday activities you decide to include your senior loved ones in this year remember that it’s mostly about making beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to make your loved one feel comfortable and included in the festivities. It can be a lot of responsibility caring for an older adult, so try to keep things simple and reduce stress as much as possible.
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