Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude and enjoy shared meals with family and friends. However, creating Thanksgiving celebrations that include senior loved ones can prove challenging.
Physical or cognitive limitations, distance from loved ones and potential loneliness impact seniors. Some seniors live alone, have recently lost a loved one or live long distances from family members, making celebrating difficult. Others prefer the solitude of home or are less comfortable leaving because of dementia or mobility challenges.
Overcoming those challenges helps to make the holiday and your Thanksgiving dinner inclusive and bright. It also helps aging individuals feel dignified, valued and loved.
This blog will explore Thanksgiving ideas for seniors and how to ensure they are included in your family planning.
Senior-Friendly Thanksgiving Planning
Include the Senior in Planning
When organizing Thanksgiving festivities, involve your aging loved ones in planning. Ask for the senior’s input on the menu, decorations and activities. By focusing on inclusion, we help older adults to feel valued and trusted. This approach also ensures the celebration aligns with their preferences, beliefs and dietary restrictions.
Senior-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes
Tailor Thanksgiving recipes to accommodate the dietary needs of seniors. Consider preparing nutritious, senior-friendly dishes. Sometimes, adding food to the menu that is easy to chew and digest, such as cornbread stuffing or mashed potatoes, is helpful. Carefully consider the texture of food for older adults with dysphasia or dentures.
Include dishes with softer textures in your Thanksgiving feast. Minimize excessive spices or ingredients that may be challenging for seniors with more delicate stomachs or dietary restrictions.
High sodium or sugar intake can exacerbate health conditions sometimes related to aging. To make your pumpkin pie healthier, use monk fruit or honey instead of sugar as a natural sweetener. Whole grains are a healthy addition to your stuffing, so add whole wheat bread. Consider using olive oil instead of butter in your mashed potatoes for a unique taste and a dose of healthy fats.
Create a Comfortable Environment for Seniors
A senior-friendly Thanksgiving celebration should be one that everyone feels comfortable in. Create an accessible environment with limited mobility and seating challenges. Seat your loved one at the end of the dinner table, or arrange the tables so they are easy to get in and out of. Be mindful of potential tripping hazards, and make sure there are well-lit pathways. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, ensure plenty of space between tables and throughout your hallways so they can more easily navigate to the restroom or a spare room where they might rest.
Prepare a quiet and comfortable place for rest in case the senior feels overstimulated while celebrating Thanksgiving. This might be a spare bedroom, a quiet study or a cozy corner in the living room. A professional caregiver accompanying your loved one to dinner can provide personalized support. This also allows the rest of the family to continue celebrating if your loved one needs extra support for awhile or a little companionship while they rest in another room.
Thanksgiving Day with Seniors
Foster Social Connection
Loneliness can be a significant challenge for seniors, especially during holidays. Facilitate social interaction at your Thanksgiving gathering by inviting friends, family or neighbors to join the celebration. Encourage guests to talk and do things with aging loved ones so they feel important and included in the festivities. You might even plan an event that puts the senior at the center of attention if that is something they are comfortable with.
Memories and Traditions from Thanksgiving Past
Incorporate cherished memories and traditions into the Thanksgiving celebration for seniors. Aging loved ones often find comfort and joy in reminiscing about past holidays. Including unique recipes and holiday traditions can bring back fond memories. Cognitive stimulation like this is essential for seniors with dementia. This is a simple step that makes the holiday experience even better.
Mindful Listening
Take the time to listen to seniors and show genuine interest in their stories and experiences. Give them the time and space to contribute to the conversation and festivities. Keep in mind that this might be challenging for seniors with dementia or any issues with speech due to a recent stroke or other health condition, so never push them to engage if they are not comfortable. Offer the opportunities with love and patience.
Sharing memories and having meaningful conversations can enrich the senior-friendly Thanksgiving celebration for everyone involved.
Thanksgiving Activities for Seniors
Plan activities during your gathering that are enjoyable and suitable for your aging loved ones. Keeping them engaged involves providing entertainment they enjoy, such as board games, card games, cookie decorating, or Thanksgiving trivia.
Ensure you include your aging loved ones by choosing suitable Thanksgiving activities for seniors. Select interactive options and create an engaging and lively atmosphere for everyone.
Other Thanksgiving Ideas for Seniors
Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities
The holiday season is a time for giving back, and involving seniors in volunteer opportunities can be incredibly fulfilling. Seniors feel grateful when they serve dinner at a shelter, assist with church events, or send care packages to troops.
When choosing a volunteer activity, ensure that your elderly loved one is up for the task mentally and physically. They should limit the amount of time they will stand and make sure to take advantage of breaks throughout the shift.
Tech-Savvy Connections
If an in-person gathering is impossible or your loved one is far away leverage technology. Virtual tools help seniors connect with faraway loved ones who can’t be there in person.
Your elderly family member may need assistance to use technology. A family member, neighbor or your loved one’s in-home caregiver are good options for offering help.
Flexibility and Patience
Recognize that seniors may have different needs and preferences, and be flexible in adapting plans accordingly. Exercise patience and empathy, creating an environment where seniors feel comfortable and valued.
While the focus during the holidays is on happiness and being together, remember that this time of year can also invoke feelings of sadness and loneliness. These feelings are especially relevant for a senior who has experienced a recent loss or has had to move away from a home they love. Let your elderly loved one know you value them in the holiday celebrations, but also give them the space and time they need to celebrate their way.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. By implementing these thoughtful approaches, we can create a senior-friendly Thanksgiving celebration.
This method ensures that senior family members participate in the celebrations. It ensures they have a truly enjoyable Thanksgiving filled with love, togetherness, and cherished memories. Creating an inclusive and adaptable holiday for seniors allows them to enjoy the joy of Thanksgiving fully.
Salus wishes you and yours a blessed holiday season. If your loved one is struggling during this time of year or needs extra support, contact us. We’re here to help.
