The end of the year is an incredibly demanding time, between celebrations and mixed feelings of joy and longing. Older people can have a challenging time at this time of year.
While aging can bring wisdom and experience, there are inevitable losses that even the healthiest older people face. Loved ones and friends get sick and die. Energy and mobility levels often decline, resulting in feelings of independence and missed opportunities.
This season, we are going to pay special attention to the older adults in our lives by following the advice we give you below:
- Make sure you are actively listening when they want to talk. An honest and empathetic conversation can help them process their feelings.
- Remind them how important they are in your life at these end-of-the-year celebrations. They may feel worthless if they cannot contribute or participate fully in the festivities as they used to. Please encourage them to do what they are capable of.
- Help them see that you are trying to simplify their end-of-year plans to focus on the real meaning of these celebrations. Remind them that they taught you the importance of family and friendship and thank them for that.
- Help them add decorative touches to their home or room at the long-term care facility. Make sure they don’t present a safety hazard and try decorating in stages to extend the fun and give them something to look forward to.
- The most important thing you can do with an older person to make them feel loved and included this season is to spend time with them. Look at family photos, watch home videos or movies, listen to seasonal music, or do crafts together.
The festivities only come once a year and only last a few weeks. This year may be more joyful and less stressful for the older adults in your life by following these tips.