Isolation during the holiday season can increase the risk of depression in the elderly. Older adults need to stay active over the holidays instead of withdrawing from social activities and family functions. The Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time for seniors to interact with their loved ones. Here are some fun Thanksgiving activities for aging adults to enjoy.
1. Attending a Parade
Invite your elderly loved one to attend a Thanksgiving Day parade with you and your family, giving him or her something fun to look forward to during the holiday. While at the parade, your parent can listen to the music, watch the floats go by, and share a bonding experience with you and the grandchildren. If no parades are taking place, you can all sit around the television and watch the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Attending social events can boost a senior’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust Lakewood senior care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
2. Creating Thankful Journals
Purchase a journal for your parent and help him or her design it with holiday stickers and other crafting items. The purpose of a thankful journal is to allow your loved one to be honest and open about his or her feelings instead of keeping them bottled up inside. Encourage your loved one to spend a few minutes each day writing what he or she is grateful for in life.
3. Taking Thanksgiving Yoga Classes
Many studios incorporate traditional yoga sessions with a Thanksgiving theme. While attending these yoga classes, your loved one can get in shape as well as the holiday spirit. Doing yoga can help seniors clear their mind, boost their overall health, and prevent a wide variety of medical conditions.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Lakewood live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
4. Cooking Thanksgiving-Themed Meals
Cooking is a fun activity that can boost cognitive abilities, enhance mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment. While cooking traditional Thanksgiving recipes in the kitchen, your loved one can bond with his or her children, siblings, grandchildren, friends, and other family members.
5. Participating in Thanksgiving Marathons
Some communities host marathons for older adults. The participants can dress up in Thanksgiving-themed clothes and join other individuals who want to walk for a good cause. Walking in a marathon can increase social interaction, promote weight loss, boost heart health, and strengthen the immune system.
6. Going on a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Brain stimulation is important for older adults, as it can decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This year, plan a fun Thanksgiving scavenger hunt your entire family will enjoy. Give away prizes to the winners and encourage more friends and family members to participate. You can place Thanksgiving-themed items throughout the home or backyard to get your loved one moving after eating a large meal.
Engaging in fun activities with your parent can be a difficult task, especially when you have other important duties to tend to. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Lakewood, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (303) 987-5992 today.