Holidays and Seniors

There’s always a lot of grumbling about the fact that the stores start preparing for the fall and winter holidays before people are ready for summer is be over.

The Halloween costumes make their appearance come August followed shortly thereafter by Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah decorations. It’s a veritable sea of seasonal orange while shoppers are still searching the aisles for just one more tube of sun protection. It can be tough enough to keep up day-by-day but retailers, well, they don’t seem to care, customer grumbling notwithstanding.

Still, within the discontented majority are some people that enjoy anticipating the holidays. Often these people are seniors and here is why the upcoming holidays are a chance for them to rejoice:

Family Gatherings

With many families living far away from each other, the opportunity to have a family gathering and strengthen family bonds during the holidays is a cause for happiness and eager anticipation. (Who cares if the tinsel is out while it is still August, the grandkids will be visiting “soon”!)

Break From Routine

Many seniors fall into a daily routine that isn’t fulfilling or stimulating. Reduced mobility and options for interaction are just two of the reasons for reduced socialization and so the holidays offer a chance to connect with friends and family members and share happy times.

Improves Mood and Mental Outlook

There’s a cliché that says “growing old is not for sissies” and I tend to agree. With all of the challenges that many seniors must face on a daily basis, the opportunity to put their “issues” to the side is indeed positive and life-affirming.

So what if it’s Labor Day and the Thanksgiving turkeys are crowding out the flags and barbecue fixings. For many seniors, thinking ahead to the upcoming holidays and anticipating the pleasures that come along with the change of season is a good thing! With that in mind, keep the holiday spirit alive and let’s not grumble in front of our senior loved ones.

Remember too that a Right at Home Smithtown companion can assist your senior with holiday preparation and shopping as well as help with their daily routine. Just give us a call and set up an appointment with us today or contact us online.