Tips to Keep Seniors Engaged and Included during the Holidays

The holidays are a busy time for many of us. Between shopping, wrapping, baking, cleaning, end-of-year appointments, parties, and travel, the frenzy of the season makes it easy to forget that the seniors in our lives may not be nearly as engaged. Many seniors feel lonely this time of year. Our parents, grandparents, and other relatives—as well as our elderly neighbors, coworkers, and friends—can feel left out around the holidays while many demands keep us flying at a frantic pace.

It is simple but so meaningful to invite our elderly loved ones to join in the festivities. From crafts and gifts to easy Christmas games for seniors, there are many holiday activities for elderly adults to brighten their season and yours. For those with mobility, memory, or cognitive issues, we offer a few ideas to keep elderly adults engaged and included during the holiday season.

1. Decorate their space.

Whether your loved one lives with you or independently, decorating for the holidays can bring big joy for the whole season. Unpacking cherished ornaments can spur stories and happy reminiscing. Be mindful of keeping decorations safe (watch tripping and dropping hazards, for example) as you bring cheer to their space.

2. Make cookies.

This one is a classic, popular for all ages: gather the family to make a few types of cookies. Break out the cookie cutters, icing, and sprinkles, and don’t forget to play festive music! Cookies too complicated? Make bark, rice cereal treats, or pralines instead. Want a challenge? How about a gingerbread house?

Keep the mood leisurely and fun, and have a comfortable place for your loved one to sit and rest if they need a break.

3. Look at family photo albums.

Set aside some time to enjoy a warm beverage and look at family photo albums. This is one of the best activities to do with elderly relatives, especially for grandchildren or other young members of the family (who will be fascinated with their vintage fashions, cars, and furniture!). This is also a wonderful way to connect with relatives with declining memory or dementia, who may find comfort in familiar images and recall fond memories from the past.

4. DIY holiday cards and crafts.

Have a Christmas card list? Tackle it with your elderly loved ones. Have some extra cards ready so your senior can write and send some to friends as well. Double the fun by bringing in other family members, especially children, to make handmade cards by drawing, painting, and stamping.

Similar to this idea, you can make simple but beautiful Christmas, Hanukkah, or winter-themed gift tags and ornaments together. Use materials such as paper, yarn, popsicle sticks, buttons, pine cones, and more. Tons of ideas can be found online via free websites and social media.

Also consider flower arrangements, centerpieces, wreaths, and popcorn garlands.

5. Serve others together.

Some of the most meaningful Christmas activities for seniors show them that they can make a difference. While you’re making and writing your holiday cards, check out organizations like USASOA and Military Missions to send encouraging notes to military personnel serving away from home. You can also drop some off at your local hospital, fire station, or other public services.

Research your local community centers and houses of worship for projects like knitting blankets, canned food drives, toy drives, and assembling care kits for people in need in your city.

6. Watch a favorite movie.

Have a seasonal family favorite? Have your senior over (or go to them) to watch it together. Or introduce a new movie you think they’ll love. Make it an extra cozy evening with blankets and cider.

7. Go out to look at lights.

Have a slow drive through nearby neighborhoods to look at brightly decorated houses. Your town may even have an annual drive-through light display (sometimes with an entry fee).

8. Have a game night.

Bring family and friends together for themed Bingo, card games, all-ages board games, and other favorites that your senior might enjoy. Don’t forget holiday-themed prizes! Use your judgment and keep the gathering small if your elderly loved one is overwhelmed by strangers or large groups. Quick, straightforward games are best; leave the Monopoly or Risk for another time.

9. Attend a musical show or worship service.

If your senior likes ballet, choir concerts, chamber music, or worship services that incorporate music and performance, this is a good time of year for these opportunities. You may also find sing-a-longs and caroling in your area. Accompany them to an event, and make a memory together!

10. Communicate often.

While it’s easy to get caught up in busy schedules, be sure to make time to check in often with your elderly loved ones. Even a short phone or video call will brighten their day. Consider user-friendly voice activated technology for those that struggle with smartphones and computers. For seniors comfortable on smartphones, send photos to make them feel close.

Not sure what to chat about? Tell them what holiday plans and preparations you are making, ask them to share stories from their favorite holidays past, or talk recipes and food.

Some other tips to consider:

• Take photos! No matter the activity, capture the memory and print your senior a copy to look at and enjoy often.
• If your elderly loved one is overstimulated by lots of noise or activity, invite them to quieter, calmer gatherings. They may prefer doing a jigsaw puzzle at home with a few family members to attending a loud show or crafts market.
• Some seniors, especially those with cognitive impairment, cannot tolerate long visits. Think quality over quantity.
  Schedule activities for earlier in the day, as many seniors are worn out by the evening. You might think about a “Noon Year’s Eve” daytime celebration as an alternative to New Year’s Eve with them, for example.
• Watch your senior for changes in mood or behavior. The holidays can stir up difficult emotions for those who have lost a spouse or other close loved ones. Be an empathetic and compassionate listener, and be aware of the signs of depression and anxiety so that your loved one can get medical attention if needed.

A lot of the ideas above are focused on sharing fun moments while allowing your loved one to connect intellectually, emotionally, and physically through the activities. This month, find time to include your senior loved one in ways that will make their season bright.

If your loved one needs home care, our VetAssist mission is to make home care easily and quickly accessible for those who qualify through the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit. Veterans Home Care can help you determine whether you or your loved one will be eligible to receive the benefit, which can cover some or all of the cost of home care, and we make it easy to apply. Chat with us via our website, or call us at (888) 314-6075.

By Sylvia Trein, staff writer