Health issues, financial strain, mobility challenges or aches and pains of being older can make it hard for older adults to participate in holiday activities.
There is a lot of pressure on people to enjoy themselves during the holidays. The season is supposed to be merry and bright, but many elders feel increasingly isolated and unhappy this time of year.
While aging can bring wisdom and experience, there are inevitable losses that even the healthiest seniors face. Loved ones and friends fall ill and pass away. Energy and mobility levels often decrease, resulting in feelings of lost independence and opportunities. Neighborhoods change over time, leaving even those well enough to remain in their own homes feeling lonely and disconnected from their communities.
The following are some tips for creating Merry Holidays for seniors:
- Play or sing holiday music to set a festive mood. Maybe make a warm drink to serve to your loved one while decorating, cooking, or reminiscing together.
- Time shared between different generations is very special. Encourage your children, grandchildren, and aging loved ones to bake treats, look at pictures, sing Christmas carols, or partake in holiday crafts together.
- Use your senior’s treasured holiday decorations
- Ask if they need help writing and sending Christmas cards or holiday letters. You can help them draft a short message for inside the cards, stamp and address envelopes, and drop them off at the post office.
- Keep an eye out for holiday cards, phone calls, or other correspondence they receive during the holidays. Often, the news is not pleasant. This could be a friend’s spouse who has died, a friend may have moved to a nursing home, etc. These things often cause depression for our seniors, and we need to support them at this time.
- If possible, host the holiday meals at your home or plan to bring the celebration to their home. Reducing their workload can help them better appreciate these gatherings.
- If they can go out and shop for holiday gifts, offer to accompany them. If their abilities are limited, offer to shop for them instead or help them search for and order gifts online. Maybe wrap the purchased gifts together.
- Ask what treats and traditions they look forward to most each holiday season and focus on making those few things happen.
- Encourage your seniors to tell stories about their past. Sharing family history is a priceless pastime, and sharing memories during the holidays brings families together.
- If the person enjoys dressing for the holidays, consider buying them a festive article of clothing or jewelry.
You are probably busy with adapting your own holiday plans and traditions, but we must remember what the holiday season is truly about. Simplifying some things will allow you to focus on what really matters: the important people in your life. Elderly people may not always be the most pleasant, and can often seem burdensome. However, keep in mind that they are the heart and soul of your families, and should always be treated with love and respect. Remind them how important they are as a part of your life. The most important thing you can do with a senior is to make them feel loved and included in the season.
Merry Christmas from the Missouri Coalition for Quality Care!
