The holiday season is a very special time for everyone, particularly older adults who may get to see relatives they cannot always travel to see due to physical or cognitive limitations. When loved ones gather during the holidays, senior citizens have a chance to shine and get involved in all of the festivities! Here are 8 activities older adults can really enjoy.
1. Baking or Cooking.
So many family traditions revolve around food during the holidays, and so many family members look forward to traditional recipes! Grandparents can enjoy baking activities with grandchildren of all ages, from decorating sugar cookies to sprinkling homemade fudge with sprinkles.
2. Gift Wrapping
Have you ever wanted more time to make gift wrapping more creative and more extravagant? Retirement is the perfect opportunity! Provide your loved one with fancy name tags, a variety of wrapping paper, and specialty quick-cut clear tape to allow for a beautiful sight when a present is wrapped!
3. Volunteer Activities.
There’s never a shortage of local community or religious organizations with a need for volunteers during the holidays. Many seniors enjoy helping at a food pantry, with a children’s choir, at a local hospital, or for donation drives. There is something for everyone willing and able to donate their time and talents!
4. Holiday-Themed Movie Marathon!
There are sooooo many options to find the movies that a senior will love! Between “live” TV, cable TV (think: Hallmark Channel! or AMC!), and streaming apps available via Roku or Amazon Fire Sticks, you’d be hard-pressed to think up a movie that you can’t find! Make this activity even better with an “I Choose, You Choose” agreement between a grandparent and a grandchild to each appreciate each other’s tastes and generational movies.
5. Decorate Your Space
Nothing brings out the stories, nostalgia, and smiles like bringing out the annual decorations that your loved one has come to know and love! Decorating for the holidays can instantly brighten a senior’s mood and bring about the holiday cheer.
6. Tour Neighborhood Lights
The holidays aren’t just merry, they are also bright! Especially at night when homes in many neighborhoods get creative with their outside holiday lights and decorations. It’s fun to go to old neighborhoods where a senior may have lived in the past, or new neighborhoods that go all out during the holidays!
There is no shortage of fun, safe, and inspiring activities that seniors can get involved in with their friends, neighbors, and families. Being intentional to connect with seniors during the holidays can make these moments more precious and festive for everyone.
