The holidays can be a tough time for seniors, who are coping with loneliness, isolation, and the thought of eating alone. Here are four ways to celebrate the holidays in a senior living community.

Zoom Meals

Video calls have become more popular over the last couple of years and are a more intimate way to connect than a traditional phone call. Plan one – or maybe a few – Zoom meals to re-create the feeling of breaking bread together. Be sure to make room for one-on-one time. After the meal, have different people pass the phone or tablet around so you can have a private moment with everyone.

If you are the one calling in to a loved one, remember to include them throughout the meal and during conversations.

Get Involved

Senior living communities are always bustling with activities, meals, and senior holiday fun. Engage with your neighbors, make new friends, and create new traditions. Check the activities calendar and single out a few events to attend.

Enjoy Old Traditions

When possible, keep to your old seasonal traditions to get in the spirit. Watch a favorite seasonal movie, listen to music, decorate, etc. Traditions foster emotional bonds and create positive memories. Sticking to a few, even a small one, can lighten your mood and inspire those same feelings of happiness from past holiday seasons.

If you’ve made friends in your community, invite them to take part as well. If they have a holiday tradition, suggest also re-creating those.

Holiday Cards

Cards are a small way to connect with loved ones from afar. Spend some time this holiday season writing notes with updates on your new community and reminiscing about a favorite holiday shared together. Research shows the act of writing increases self-esteem, triggers critical thinking, and helps preserve memory.

Careage communities were established with your overall health and happiness at the core. If you’ve been considering downsizing to a senior living community, check out our locations and see how we can brighten your golden years.