3 years ago · Darla · Comments Off on Have a Holly Jolly Holiday with Special Activities for Seniors

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday with Special Activities for Seniors

The holiday season is a great time to visit with your senior loved ones and do fun activities to keep spirits bright this holiday season. We have compiled a list of 5 senior-friendly activities you can do this year with your loved ones.

Take a Holiday Lights Tour

There’s nothing like a beautiful light display to get in the holiday mood. Driving through neighborhoods and enjoying lights is a safe way to celebrate and get out of the house. This list can help you plan your experience if you live in the DFW Metroplex.

Listen to Music Together

It’s no secret that music can be a powerful tool for health and wellness. In one study, scientists found that “music therapy increased the levels of melatonin, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and prolactin in patients with Alzheimer’s.” Listening to music from years gone by can help your elderly loved one get in the holiday spirit, and it can also promote memory retention and reduce stress. In fact, this is why Tribute incorporates music into our wellness approach by using a distributed sound system, live music events, and music therapy.

Fortunately, you no longer need to search for that good ole’ music. Click on this playlist on Spotify, or search “vintage holiday music” on YouTube for compilations of holiday hits going all the way back to 1920!

Play Board Games

Everyone loves board games, and playing together can be fun and enriching for your loved one. In fact, research shows that playing board games can help keep your memory sharp. If your loved one has memory care issues, try simple games such as Go Fish, Uno, Snakes & Ladders, Bananagrams, Checkers, or Dominoes. Our residents also enjoy playing Bridge.

Cozy Up with a Fireside Chat

Nothing is better than cozying up to the fire during long winter nights. Give your loved one a simply joyful holiday celebration with a fireside chat. Create a cozy experience with their favorite drinks and snacks. While you’re chatting, this is a great time to ask your loved one to share their memories of holidays past. Some questions might include the following:

• What is your favorite holiday song?
• What was your favorite holiday gift?
• What holiday traditions did you celebrate with your parents?
• What is your favorite holiday memory?
• Is there anything you want to do this holiday that you haven’t done before?

No fireplace? No problem! Turn on a fireside ambiance video on YouTube or Netflix, and enjoy a virtual fire while you chat.

Get Crafty

Holiday crafts bring your family together to make special memories while also promoting mental focus, creativity, and hand-eye coordination. We suggest simple yet fun crafts such as washi tape ornaments, painted pine cones, or handmade holiday greeting cards for those with memory care challenges. 

Host a cookie or gingerbread house decorating contest if your family enjoys a little competition.

You can make lasting memories with your loved ones this holiday season with a little planning and creativity. In fact, carving out these special activities can make this your merriest family celebration yet!