With the holiday season approaching, it is time for families to think about activities for elder ones. Activities not only help them to get engaged but they also support the whole family in strengthening their bond. Also, children will learn the most important values of respecting and honoring our seniors.
Several studies show that spending quality time with elders helps them to lessen the feeling of boredom and loneliness. Holidays bring the perfect time for family gatherings and these imperatively help elder ones to eliminate the feelings of isolation.
Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for the people we love and showing gratitude. Spending time and planning to create special activities for our seniors is the best way to thank them and have a memorable Thanksgiving Day. Here are some Thanksgiving activities for the elderly to enjoy this year.
1. Decorating Home:
This is one of the best activities you can involve your elderly loved ones in. Decorations will help them to get engaged while also having fun. Get some wreaths, light displays, acorn garlands, pumpkins, candleholders, and other festive decorations, so that they can showcase their creative side. Home decorations will also help them in enhancing their cognitive skills and overall mental health. Some elders will need assistance while doing activities. Our elder loved ones can get help from us or turn to personal caregivers to support them in daily activities.
2. Host Turkey Dinners:
What would Thanksgiving be without turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie? Plan to host a turkey feast by inviting friends and families. With family gatherings and get-togethers, our elderly loved ones get the opportunity to connect with everyone and also incorporate more mental and physical activity.
3. Thanksgiving BINGO Card:
Games have the ability to improve self-esteem and relieve stress among our seniors. There are a number of benefits for our elderly loved ones depending on the type of game they play. By involving them in card and board games like BINGO, we can help them to improve their memory. Organize a holiday-themed BINGO game and this will provide hours of entertainment for you all to spend together.
4. Thanksgiving Word Puzzles:
Plan for activities such as preparing a Thanksgiving-themed word search puzzle. Word and number puzzles are fun, enhance teamwork and activate brain activity. By having people around and getting involved in fun activities, our elder loved ones will have a great time that helps them stay happier and healthier.
5. Grandparent & Grandchild Pumpkin Decoration:
Grandparents and grandchildren have a special bond. By having them together during Thanksgiving, they can enjoy quality time together that make lasting memories. Together they can help decorate for the fall season with mini pumpkins and colorful gourds. This way, they will be involved in safe and easy activities and also have wonderful grandparent-grandchild bonding time.
6. Plan Thanksgiving-themed Meals:
For many seniors, cooking is one of their favorite activities and they often experiment with different recipes. During the Thanksgiving Holiday, along with traditional Thanksgiving recipes, give them the opportunity to try something new. These will help seniors in boosting their cognitive abilities, enhance their mood and create a great bond with friends, siblings, and other family members.
7. Plan for a Gratitude Tree:
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to be grateful for all the things we have around us. From the beautiful experiences to the blessings, we have been given, it is the time to be thankful, especially to our elders. Plan for creating a Gratitude Tree and spending some quality time with them. While preparing this easy craft, you will appreciate the wonderful time you and your aging loved one are spending. On the leaves of the gratitude tree, make sure to write the things you are grateful for. This craft will certainly play a major role throughout the year and you could all refresh these beautiful memories by reading it aloud for the next Thanksgiving.
With busy day-to-day schedules, it’s quite common we fail to meet or spend time with our aging loved ones. However, when the holiday seasons approach, it is essential to understand the importance of family gatherings. Isolation during the holiday season can increase the feeling of loneliness and depression in seniors. This Thanksgiving, plan to spend time with your loved ones. Let us make sure our elderly loved ones know how much we love them and how important they are to us.
We understand, engaging in fun activities and balancing your regular duties is challenging. If you feel having a professional caregiver would benefit you, we are available with our caregiving services. Caregivers at Assured Home Nursing are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
With our home nursing services, you can have professional assistance in managing your loved one’s everyday activities. For a free consultation, please reach us at (248) 593-8134.
