The holidays can be both exciting and depressing for older seniors.

Even if your aging parents have limitations such as dementia, there are still many ways you can turn the Christmas season into a happy celebration for everyone involved.

1. Plan holiday activities your aging parents are able to participate in

Keep these  events simple.

Take a drive to see lights and decorations.  This gets the older person out without having to leave the car and worry about maneuvering crowds of strangers.

You could also collect old family movies and have a special  movie  night. This can help bring old memories alive and help your parents relive happier times.  Serve hot chocolate and pop corn if your parents are able to have them. 

2. Give your aging parents activities to look forward to.

Everyone needs anticipation and goals, and that’s half the fun of the Christmas season.

Get your parents involved  in the daily bustle even if all they can do is sit and watch you or your children make cookies.

This can be comforting for an aging senior since while  he is  interacting socially he will be less prone to be lonely.

Loneliness can be particularly dangerous for the elderly during the holidays.

3. Give your parents time off from the hustle and general business of family get-togethers.

Just as you’d take the baby into a quiet room for some  quiet time or a nap, you need to do the same for an elderly parent.

Sure, they like being around the family,  but it’s also important to  give them some time off where they can relax in order to avoid over stimulation.

The holidays can still be fun and enjoyable for everyone, including your aging parents. 

Consider yourself  lucky to still have them  with you and you’ll be richly rewarded by tailoring  holiday events around them.

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