Senior Spotlight: 3 Ways To Cheer Up Our Seniors This Holiday Season

This year is different - for every single one of us.

Our older generations are often considered our wisest for a reason: they have unrivaled life experience that we all can learn from. While the holiday season is often one of the times that multiple generations can gather and gain from this wisdom – this year is hugely different. And while our seniors have seen a lot in their lifetime, many have never seen a holiday alone until now. On that note, we wanted to share 3 quick ways that you can bring a smile to an older adult this holiday season.

#1: Wish them a good morning… and a good night! Your grandma may be expecting one call from you on the day of a traditional holiday celebration – but how about two?! Call in the morning to give your best wishes and then call before bed to see how her day went. It might be nice for our seniors to start AND end the day knowing they are being thought of.

#2: Keep an old tradition alive in a new way! You may not be able to make tamales together this year – but maybe you can email or drop-off a picture of last year’s tamale gathering. Or consider buying a cherished holiday treat from a local business that needs your support (instead of making it!) and share the delicacy over a Zoom snack attack.

#3: Remember the caregivers. Many senior caregivers are age 50 and over themselves and have faced many additional stressors this year supporting our highest risk generation. Flowers, cards, virtual hugs and gift certificates are just a few ways to show your appreciation.

We are sending our biggest hugs and highest hopes to all this holiday season.

*For ideas of books to gift or podcasts to share, be sure to check out our recent blog ‘Staying Safe & Staying Sane: Podcasts, Shows & Books To Keep Older Adults Entertained At Home.’