Holidays can be fun for everyone
Holiday time can be enjoyable for older adults even if they can’t participate fully in every activity. Feeling included is the most important part of enjoying the holidays. Even if your senior has physical or mental issues, they can still have a good time and feel like part of the group.
Adjust activities for special needs
Some older adults don’t enjoy big groups while some love being the center of attention. Some love to get out of the house and some are homebodies. You know your senior best, so you can customize activities to suit their personality and special needs.
For example, someone with Alzheimer’s may want to stay in a separate room and only greet a few family members at a time to keep things calm and avoid overstimulation.
Another example is a senior with declining vision. They might enjoy being in a busy room while someone describes what’s happening to help them “see” what’s going on around them.
12 fun activity ideas
When it comes to choosing activities, every older adult has different abilities, likes, and dislikes. If you have a variety of options at the ready, you’ll have a good chance of finding something the whole family can enjoy. Here are a dozen ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
- Card games
- Board games
- Reading aloud
- Listening to your senior’s favorite music
- Prompt kids to ask about “the olden days”
- Watching movies together – at home or in a theater
- Family walk around the neighborhood or in a local park
- Strolling around the mall
- Online shopping for things your older adult needs
- Enjoying tea or coffee together
- Baking cookies
- Cooking or preparing food – there are tasks for many ability levels
Pace activities and stick to routines
Older adults have less energy and stamina, so watch for signs of fatigue and suggest breaks or naps. Changing routines can also be tough for seniors to adjust to, so it’s always a good idea to stick to their normal routine as much as possible. Older adults should join in the fun whenever possible, but be careful not to overdo it.
By DailyCaring Editorial Staff
Image: Mail Online
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About the Author
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.