Including seniors in holiday activities, even if they’re experiencing physical or cognitive limitations, is a great way to ensure aging loved ones aren’t feeling lonely, depressed, or excluded during the holiday season. The activities you choose to do together don’t have to be elaborate or expensive; simply spending quality time together is special and meaningful for most seniors.

We’ve compiled a list of fun and festive ways to include seniors in holiday activities. These are also perfect for family and friends, too, so everyone can join in the fun!

Holiday Activities for Seniors

Crafting and Decorating. Whether you make a holiday wreath, decorate stockings, or make homemade potpourri, there are plenty of easy and fun crafts for you and your senior loved one to do together. As an added bonus, your loved one can use their creations for holiday decorations or gifts for family and friends! Try these easy and fun holiday craft ideas.

Gift-wrapping Party. Host a gift-wrapping party where your senior loved one helps wrap gifts for the grandkids, family members, and friends. Gather up the tape, scissors, and bows, put on some nostalgic holiday music from your loved one’s past, and tackle that pile of unwrapped presents. And don’t worry if everything isn’t wrapped perfectly, it’s the fun that counts!

Family Holiday Moving Night. Watch a feel-good holiday movie or fun holiday comedy with your senior loved one. Make popcorn and hot chocolate, grab some extra pillows and blankets, and campout in front of the TV. Including seniors in holiday activities that involve snuggling with grandkids or your furry companion can do wonders for their sense of wellbeing.

Baking cookies. This is a classic holiday tradition that almost everyone loves to participate in. For an easy recipe the whole family can enjoy, try these gingerbread cookies. They’re made with butterscotch pudding to give them real, old fashioned appeal!

Admire the holiday lights and decorations. If the weather permits, take your elderly loved one for a stroll around the block to see the festively decorated homes and businesses in your community. If your loved one has mobility issues, consider taking a drive instead. There are plenty of drive-thru light displays during the holidays. Check Facebook Events or your local paper for a list of light shows near you.

The holiday season is full of opportunities for older adults to have a little fun, just remember to pace your activities and modify them as needed.

Grand Oaks of Palm City is the ideal home for your senior loved one. We offer 24/7 healthcare, enriching activities, socialization, and so much more. This holiday season, take a tour of our community and see for yourself why our residents love living at Grand Oaks! For more information, call 772-324-5024.