20 Joyful Holiday Activities for Seniors

Here are good holiday ideas by Connie Chow. As you read the activity suggestions, keep your special senior in mind. Does your senior prefer to see family in small bursts, talk one-on-one for focused conversations, be an observer of all the family action and interactions -- or enjoys being the center of attention? If your senior is used to a simple or special diet, will restaurant food be too rich, salty or cause unforeseen reactions? As Connie warns, do not overdo holiday activities!Include seniors in holiday activities The holidays can be lots of fun for older adults even if they’re not in the best physical or mental shape. Simply being included in the festivities brings joy and helps them enjoy the season. We’ve rounded up 20 fun holiday activities for seniors that are perfect to enjoy with family and friends. 20 senior-friendly holiday activity ideas15 activities for staying in

1. Make a holiday wreath -- these are fun and festive
2. Decorate and fill stockings
3. Make pomanders with oranges and cloves [A pomander is a piece of fruit, such as an orange or apple, studded with cloves and hung by a ribbon]
4. Decorate the house
5. Prompt kids to ask about “the olden days” so they can learn about their grandparent’s youth
6. Play card games or board games
7. Gather around the stereo to listen to your senior’s favorite tunes
8. Sing holiday songs together
9. Have a family movie night with popcorn, extra pillows, and warm blankets to cuddle under
10. Enjoy tea or coffee together as a group
11. Bake cookies or other traditional holiday treat
12. Cook or prepare favorite holiday foods together
13. Have a gift wrap party -- don’t worry if things aren’t perfectly wrapped, it’s the fun that counts!
14. Get your senior’s help with holiday cards -- writing, addressing, or sealing envelopes -- Be sure to ask if they have a special message or memory to share
15. Ask for their opinions or ideas while you’re shopping online

5 activities for going out

1. Stroll around the mall and admire the holiday decorations -- go early to avoid the crowds
2. Take a family walk around the neighborhood or through a park
3. Enjoy a delicious meal at a favorite restaurant
4. Watch a feel-good holiday movie or fun comedy in the theater
5. Take in a local play or musical

Pace activities and modify as needed Encourage older adults to join in the holiday festivities whenever possible, but be careful not to overdo it. Older adults have less energy and stamina, so be on the lookout for signs of fatigue and suggest frequent breaks or naps. Many of the activities we’ve suggested are low-key and can be done at your senior’s pace. If your older adult has Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may want to modify activities to avoid overstimulating or confusing them. Bottom line The holidays are about spending time with family, feeling included, and enjoying each other’s company. The activities don’t have to be exciting to be special and meaningful. By Connie Chow, Contributing Writer and Founder of DailyCaringImage: MonkeySee