The Best Senior Activities for the Holidays
The holidays are a special time of year for many families. It’s a time to spend together, to reflect on the most important things in life, and to have some fun too. When you’re making your holiday plans, there are lots of opportunities to include senior family members as well, even if they’re limited by mobility issues, health concerns, or cognitive decline. Being included in the festivities helps them to enjoy the season too.
When you’re including a senior in the holiday plans, it may be helpful to choose activities that are low-key. Thankfully though, low-key doesn’t have to mean less fun!
The following are some holiday activities that the whole family can enjoy.
7 Fun Holiday Activities for Seniors
1. Take in the Sights
Take a stroll or a drive around your neighborhood to look at the holiday decorations and lights. They may be especially festive if you wait until after dark. Or, if you prefer to be inside, there are usually plenty of decorations to enjoy at the mall. It may be a good idea to visit early in the day to avoid the largest crowds.
2. Bake Together
Get together to bake cookies or other holiday treats. If Grandma has a favorite family recipe, this will give her the opportunity to pass the tradition on to younger family members.
3. Decorate and Stuff Stockings
Stockings can be as simple or as fancy as you decide to make them. Visit a local craft store or shop online for fun and easy kits, or check out this article for some DIY inspiration.
4. Family Movie Night
Gather the family to watch some classic seasonal movies. Make popcorn and snuggle up with a blanket or two to enjoy a quiet night at home. For those who feel like going out, take a trip to your local movie theater.
5. Put Up Decorations
Invite your senior loved one to help the family decorate the Christmas tree. Making holiday decorating a family affair will create memories that last a lifetime.
6. Have a Gift Wrapping Party
If you have a mountain of gifts to wrap and cards to address, ask your senior loved one for some help. You’ll get to enjoy one another’s company while you work together.
7. Try Indoor Gardening
In many places, it’s harder to spend time outside during the winter, and gardening is out of the question. Your senior loved one just might enjoy a little bit of indoor gardening. Around the holidays, amaryllis kits are usually easy to find, and they provide weeks of enjoyment as you watch them grow from a bulb to a brilliantly blooming flower.
The holidays are all about spending time with family. Even if your loved one is physically limited, they may still enjoy reminiscing and sharing old memories with younger family members. Meaningful activities that include your senior loved ones as well are a great chance to enjoy one another and create wonderful memories.
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If you or a loved one are in need of help living a safe, active and independent lifestyle, call the Davis Community today at 910.686.7195 or simply complete and submit our online information request form. We provide exceptional assisted living and skilled nursing services in Wilmington, NC. We offer a strong and supportive environment where your loved one will feel welcomed and part of an active community. Davis Community is pleased to offer customized concierge home care services, including meal preparation and nutritional guidance, to independent seniors living in Landfall, Cambridge Village, Wrightsville Beach and Porter’s Neck, NC. Get to know the difference today — schedule a visit to the Davis Community!