OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- This holiday season, families everywhere will gather to celebrate and enjoy quality time together. They will renew family traditions such as picking out a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and volunteering in the community.
Connecting with loved ones and creating meaningful memories during the holidays can be important for older adults, especially those who may be experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness. According to a study by the University of California, San Francisco, nearly half of adults 65 and older report feeling lonely. Including older relatives in holiday celebrations can go a long way to help combat these feelings and make their season bright.
"It's important to include older family members in your holiday traditions and celebrations," said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Home Instead Senior Care. "For seniors who have trouble getting around or who experience loneliness, that family fun can bring back fond memories and help lift their spirits. Often the greatest gift is simply your time and companionship."
In addition to time spent celebrating together, there are many thoughtful gifts that will make your loved one feel special this holiday season. Lakelyn recommends considering gifts that will spark old memories or provide an opportunity to create new ones. Meaningful gift ideas for older adults include:
- Sentimental gifts. Gifts such as scrapbooks or mementos are a great way for seniors to reminisce about the past and share stories with younger generations. Get the entire family involved and fill a photo album with pictures of their childhood, past trips and big moments in his or her life.
- Practical gifts. While people often think about large, expensive gifts, it's easy to forget about useful items like socks, a blanket or gift cards. Some gifts can be even more appreciated around the holidays, such as gloves, scarves and other winter apparel to keep your older loved one warm throughout the season. Additionally, gift cards to a senior's favorite restaurant can be a perfect gift for those who want to take a night off from cooking for themselves, especially if they helped with the big holiday meal.
- Interactive gifts. Books, jigsaw and crossword puzzles keep the mind active, prevent boredom and are a great source of entertainment. These activities offer a lot of variety and can be completed alone or with others.
- Experiential gifts. The holidays are all about spending time together and there's a lot to do this season that could replace a physical gift. Take mom or dad to see a holiday show, attend a tree-lighting ceremony or volunteer at a homeless shelter – what matters is that you are together!
- The gift of companionship. Nothing is more important than spending quality time together. In the midst of the holiday chaos, make time to enjoy a meal together or participate in your loved one's favorite activity or tradition.
The holidays are a time of giving and remind us of what and who we should be thankful for. There are many ways to show your aging loved one that you care, whether through thoughtful gifts such as scrapbooks or spending quality time with them.
For more information on how to make the most of the holidays with older adults, visit CaregiverStress.com.
ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 11 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer's care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.
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SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care
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