The holiday season is upon us. For some people this time of year means spending more time with family. As parents and grandparents grow older, their interests and activity level changes. Regardless of whether your aged loved one lives at home or in long-term care, senior-friendly holiday activities are important cornerstones in establishing an inclusive, fun holiday season for family members of all ages.
So, what senior-friendly activities are cost-efficient and easy to do at home? Here are some ideas to spark your imagination when planning for family holiday celebrations.
Our favorite senior-friendly holiday activities
Karaoke night
Karaoke nights can be what you make them. You can invest in a karaoke machine or search YouTube for Karaoke songs or playlists. Use keywords like “Christmas karaoke” or “best karaoke playlist.” Turn up the volume and let your family sing their heart out!
Bake together
Cookies, cake, bread, you name it… Baking is a great way to get the whole family involved. Don’t forget to decorate! Seniors also benefit from practicing creativity.
Movie night
Find the perfect movie – Holiday or otherwise – and set up your very own home movie theater. String some lights around the room, heat up the fireplace, pop some popcorn, and throw on your comfiest pajamas.
Charades
Charades are a timeless classic. You can play with a smartphone app like Heads Up! or go old-fashioned by drawing hand-selected prompts from a bowl.
Decades dinner party
Host a holiday dinner party they’ll remember for years to come! Let guests pick their favorite decade to dress up as and bring an iconic dish from. For example, you choose the 1950’s. Dress up in iconic 50’s clothes and bring a meatloaf. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with it!
Drive around town to look at Christmas lights at night
Pack up in the car and take a drive around town to admire the houses at night.
Join a book club together
Give them a gift that will last all season long. Give them an early gift and join a book club together. You’ll have an ongoing activity that you can do together or separate and it gives you something to talk about when you’re together.
Spa day
Pamper your loved one for a day! Go out for a massage, and manicures/pedicures for some relaxing one-on-one time together.
The holidays don’t always have to look the same. Traditions are important but so are making unique memories together. Enjoy this time together!