Many older adults experience mixed emotions during the Christmas season, which is why engaging seniors in festive celebrations is crucial.
For some, the season brings warmth and nostalgia; for others, it may amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In this article, we explore strategies for including seniors in the Christmas moments that matter, helping them overcome potential challenges and rediscover the joy of the holiday season.
Understanding festive challenges for seniors
The festive period is not universally joyous for everyone, and older adults often face unique challenges. These can include:
Loneliness and isolation
According to Census 2022, almost 190,000 people aged 65 or over in Ireland live alone. With family members often busy or living far away, seniors in this cohort can experience isolation and loneliness – especially when they see others celebrating with loved ones. The absence of close friends, many of whom may have passed away, can heighten these feelings of solitude.
Combatting loneliness requires proactive efforts on behalf of multiple individuals to keep seniors connected to family, friends and their communities.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The shorter days and decreased sunlight during winter can trigger or worsen symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD can have a particularly severe impact on seniors, leading to feelings of sadness, fatigue and withdrawal, making it harder for them to enjoy the festive season.
Encouraging light exposure and regular indoor physical activity can help manage these symptoms effectively.
Understanding these challenges sets the stage for creating a more inclusive holiday experience for elderly family members or friends.
Practical strategies for engaging seniors in festive celebrations
To make the Christmas season enjoyable and fulfilling for older adults, it’s essential to involve them in meaningful ways. Here are some thoughtful strategies:
Nurture social connections
- Frequent communication is key to this. Regular phone calls, video chats or in-person visits are invaluable for keeping seniors connected with their loved ones, as these interactions can make them feel remembered and cherished. For family members who live far away, arranging scheduled virtual meetups can provide consistency and something to look forward to.
- Encouraging community involvement also plays a large role. Whether it’s participating in community dinners, church gatherings or other festive events, these outings provide opportunities for social interaction and allow seniors to feel part of the broader community. For those with mobility challenges, arranging transportation or accompaniment can be a meaningful gesture.
Include seniors in holiday preparations
- Decorating the home for Christmas can be a fun and creative way to bond with elderly loved ones. Whether it’s hanging ornaments, setting up lights or creating handmade decorations, these activities evoke positive memories and provide a sense of being needed.
- Baking and cooking together are also great bonding exercises over the Christmas period. Many seniors have treasured family recipes that they’d love to share, so involving them in holiday baking or meal preparation not only honours their traditions but also provides an opportunity to create new memories together. This activity is also an excellent way to pass down family recipes to younger generations.
- Gift wrapping and card writing are not only festive activities but are also practical. Elderly individuals may need assistance with writing cards or buying and wrapping gifts, but they might not feel comfortable asking for help. By inviting seniors to wrap gifts or write holiday cards together, you will involve them in important festive preparations and ensure they don’t miss out.
Organise engaging activities
- Holiday crafts, such as making wreaths, baking mince pies, or assembling photo albums can stimulate creativity and provide a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Crafts are also excellent for cognitive engagement and fine motor skills.
- Game nights, featuring activities that seniors enjoy such as bingo, trivia or board games, is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
- Watching classic holiday movies can also be a comforting and nostalgic experience.
Encourage physical activity
Physical activity is vital for a healthy body and mind at any age. In fact, according to the CDC, “a single session of moderate to vigorous physical activity provides immediate benefits for your health”, while regular exercise can help to prevent many chronic diseases. The good news for seniors is that fitness endeavours don’t have to stop when the weather turns cold and icy:
- Gentle indoor activities such as chair yoga, stretching and even moving around the house can help improve mood and physical health. These exercises are particularly beneficial for managing symptoms of SAD and promoting overall well-being.
- If weather permits, consider taking seniors on short outings to see holiday lights or attend local markets. Such experiences combine the benefits of fresh air, physical movement and social interaction, making them a holistic approach to holiday engagement.
The importance of providing emotional support over the holiday season
Christmas and the New Year can bring up memories of loved ones who are no longer present. Be on hand with the emotional support required by making simple efforts, such as taking time to listen to the individual’s feelings and allowing them to express their emotions without judgment. A compassionate ear can make a world of difference.
It’s also important to recognise when professional support may be more appropriate. If a senior is showing signs of depression or severe loneliness, consider seeking support from mental health professionals or counsellors. Early intervention can prevent more serious emotional distress.
How Blanchardstown and Inner City Home Care can help
At Blanchardstown and Inner City Home Care, we are committed to ensuring that seniors feel supported and valued year-round, especially during the holiday season. Our personal care support and home help services are tailored to meet individual needs, whether that be companionship and emotional support, or assistance with daily tasks.
Through our services, we aim to bring warmth, companionship and joy to our clients, ensuring they feel part of the festive celebrations in meaningful ways.
Learn more about engaging seniors in festive celebrations
The holiday season is an opportunity to make lasting memories and reinforce meaningful connections with elderly loved ones. Whether it’s through simple gestures like baking together or organising community outings, every effort contributes to their sense of joy and belonging.
We believe that every senior deserves to experience the magic of the holiday season, and we work with our service users and their families to ensure that the festive period is one filled with warmth, connection and happiness for all.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your loved ones during the holidays, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
