Now that the Holiday season has come and gone and many of us are back to our normal routines, it’s possible that you wonder why holidays are so important to seniors. After all, you might have celebrated so many holidays that they have become routine, and they have lost some of their true meaning.
You might unpack your Christmas tree each year and decorate your house or apartment, or room. Or, you might have some special ritual that you perform each New Year that has been a tradition of your family since you were a child. Some seniors celebrate the holidays in a unique or special way while others see holidays as one more day that has passed.
In this article, we will discuss why holidays should not be just another day for seniors, and how we at Applewood Our House, a memory care home in Arvada, Golden and Lakewood, Colorado, can make holidays more meaningful for them.
5 Reasons Why Holidays are So Important to Seniors
There are many reasons why holidays are so important to seniors. Although some seniors might take holidays for granted, or just consider them another day, there is a lot to rejoice about each holiday. Here are five reasons to think about:
* A Time to Remember – One reason why holidays are so important to seniors is because it gives them time to reflect on their lives. Nothing makes this more possible than family holidays. This is always a great time to wipe the dust off of the old photo albums and remember the times of the past. Even if memories are impaired, it is a chance for seniors and their families to to create new memories. It can help seniors remember some of the really great times that they have had, and also serve as a measurement of their current memory.
* They Can Volunteer – Many seniors who are more independent still use holidays to give their time for worthy causes. It warms the heart to help others who are less fortunate than you are. In addition, it gives you the chance to be surrounded by other people, which help avoid isolation and depression during the holidays. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia does that mean that they don’t get to experience these feelings of being helpful and included? Absolutely not! At Applewood Our House, our residents are OUR family. This holiday season we celebrated with a wonderful choir, we had girl scouts come in and help our residents decorate cookies and create Christmas decorations. It was a WONDERFUL time of the year and LOTS of smiles were seen on residents, staff and families faces.
* They Have Closer Contact with Family – It means a lot to seniors to be able to sit around and engage with family members. It helps bring back fond memories, and it allows them the benefits of face-to-face contact. It’s nice to send e-mails, chat on the phone or Facebook, but nothing replaces the love of a physical hug or kiss, and a warm smile. At Applewood Our House, our families are very involved with the house, the staff and their loved ones care. We have a family counsel meeting every month where we gather and talk, and everyone feels included and understood. The holidays were an especially important time for both our residents and our families.
* It Can Help Spiritually – Some holidays are based around religion and faith. If you are a religious person, it’s a good time to be in tune with your creator. It is also a great time to give thanks for the wonderful time on this planet, and a time to pray for extended good health and extend your prayers to others in need.
* It Lets Seniors Realize How Blessed They Are – Another reason why holidays are so important to seniors is because they realize that they have reached a milestone in their lives. It is quite an achievement to become a senior citizen. Life can be hard for all of us. It just so happens that there are many people who died before they had a chance to see their children grow. Many of them never knew what it was like to hold their grandkids and sing them a song, or rock them to sleep.
Therefore, every holiday should be considered a time of happiness. Go out and celebrate the fact that you are a senior, and you are still enjoying life to the fullest.
Why Holidays are So Important to Seniors – Conclusion
Nothing is promised in this life. We are not guaranteed that life will be easy that it will be pleasant, or that we will live to a ripe old age. However, what we can do as human beings is to give our best each day. We can always help others, love our family and friends, and try to make this world a better place.
These were just five reasons why holidays are so important to seniors. Perhaps, you have other reasons why they are important to you. Get out and have fun during the holiday seasons.
