By Rose Fabrick, Certified Senior Advisor at Concierge Care Advisors
Holiday Activities for Seniors: Creating Joyful Memories with Loved Ones
Throughout the year, busy schedules often make it challenging for adult children to spend quality time with their senior parents. Phone calls and video chats offer ways to stay connected, but when seniors face difficulties leaving home or find themselves socially isolated, they may start losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. Isolation can lead to a lack of motivation for daily activities like meals, dressing, and self-care, sometimes resulting in depression or symptoms of failure to thrive.
The holiday season is a special time to reconnect, lift spirits, and re-energize seniors with meaningful holiday activities. Celebrating the season together can bring joy, foster connection, and create cherished memories that brighten the holidays for everyone.
Celebrating the Holidays Together at Home
For those with senior loved ones still living at home, decorating together can rekindle warm holiday memories. Consider using family heirlooms like Mom’s fine china and glassware for holiday dinners. Seniors can also help with simple cooking steps, setting the table, or washing dishes. Let them take charge in the kitchen—it’s a great way to help them feel engaged and connected to the traditions they’ve passed down. While cooking, share stories about past holidays and remind them of the special role they’ve always played.
Holiday Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities
If your loved one resides in an assisted living community or adult family home, get involved in holiday celebrations there. Many communities put significant effort into decorating, hosting parties, and engaging residents in holiday-themed activities. Making a wreath for their door or helping with cookie-cutting and baking can bring a lot of joy. Check the holiday event schedule and join your loved one in the festivities—it provides the same sense of holiday warmth and participation they enjoyed in their own home.
Benefits of Music and Movies for Seniors
Holiday music and sing-alongs have numerous benefits for seniors. Music helps relieve boredom, promotes movement, rekindles happy memories, and encourages social interaction. Sing-alongs at home, at a senior center, or at community events bring people together in the spirit of the season. Watching holiday classics like Miracle on 34th Street or White Christmas with loved ones also creates moments of shared joy.
A Heartfelt Gift of Time and Companionship
I recently received an invitation from a memory care community partner for a performance of traditional Christmas music at Benaroya Hall, sponsored by Northwest University and the Kirkland Orchestra. In keeping with the holiday spirit, my husband and I decided to invite a senior client of mine to join us. This wonderful lady has no family or close friends and was in limbo for months as we worked to find her a safe, supportive home. Now settled in a lovely adult family home, she continues to show kindness, grace, and optimism. While I may never know her full life story, I am grateful for the chance to create new memories with her. It is a meaningful holiday gift for us both.
Making the Holidays Special for Seniors with Concierge Care Advisors
The holiday season offers a chance to reconnect and create joyful memories with our senior loved ones. At Concierge Care Advisors, we are honored to support seniors and their families during the holidays and beyond. Our team is dedicated to helping seniors find the care and companionship they deserve. If you or a loved one needs guidance navigating senior living options, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our commitment to serving seniors with compassion and respect.
May your holidays be filled with love, kindness, and the warmth of family and friends.
