7 Entertaining Holiday and Seasonal Activities for Seniors

Organizing holiday and seasonal activities in assisted living communities for residents is such a fun way to bring in the festive cheer. From playing Secret Santa and whipping up delectable treats to sowing seasonal plans, seniors can participate in activities that bring them joy, encourage them to try something new, and motivate them to stay physically and mentally active. Not only that, they help residents socialize and feel valued as part of the community.

Play Secret Santa

Secret Santa isn’t just for kids! Seniors can also enjoy this holiday activity. The tradition of gift-giving is a great way for residents to form new connections with one another. It also encourages seniors to learn about the likes and dislikes of their gift recipients. This fun, sneaky game is the perfect icebreaker for residents to talk and get to know each other well. This festive activity for assisted living residents is sure to bring joy, especially when the big reveal comes and gifts get unwrapped.

Bake

This is a great holiday activity for seniors at assisted living communities. Baking is a joyful and therapeutic activity that allows seniors to experiment with different cooking methods, express their creativity, and connect socially with others, especially when it’s a group activity. Not only that, but following recipes helps improve memory and cognitive skills. Additionally, kneading and decorating baked goods also promote motor skills and dexterity. What’s more! The smell of fresh-baked goods is comforting and boosts mood.

DIY Seasonal Crafts

Creating DIY seasonal crafts for seniors is an enjoyable and low-impact activity. Craft making can be therapeutic and help them express themselves. Some easy and fun activities to consider include painting and scrapbook assembly. Residents can also enjoy this form of art digitally on a smartphone or tablet.

Besides that, seniors can indulge in craft projects tailored to suit their abilities and interests. For instance, during the Christmas holiday season, they can create handmade gifts for friends and family when they come to visit. Residents can even make Christmas tree cutouts and ornaments and put them up around the community center.

Grow a Garden

Gardening is a great way to spend time in nature. Plus, this activity can be enjoyed both inside and outside the assisted living community, making it accessible to all residents. By caring for plants, seniors can find joy and comfort. Gardening can be enjoyed throughout any season and is an excellent way to brighten up community spaces. However, the staff in assisted living needs to prioritize safety. Seniors should receive assistance with setup and maintenance to prevent injuries or tripping hazards.

Put on a Movie

One of the easiest ways to get residents to gather around and socialize during the holidays is to put on a movie, but not just any movie. Nursing home or assisted living facility staff should look for classics that can boost their memory. Watching a popular movie from their youth can be nostalgic for residents. Some movie recommendations include It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and Miracle on 34th Street.

Have a Game Night

Who doesn’t love playing a game? Organizing a game night during the holiday season or at any other time of the year is one of the best ways to get seniors to have fun and socialize. Bingo, for instance, can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Here’s a tip for the staff: change the game by the season. During Hanukkah, consider hosting game nights for dreidel or getting seniors to complete crosswords together. In addition to being fun, game night is also a group activity that can keep seniors mentally engaged, which can slow the progression of age-related issues.

Have an Afternoon New Year’s Eve Party

Seniors in an assisted living community usually do not stay up very late. So, trying to get them to party at night is not the best move. Instead, staff can host the New Year’s party in the afternoon. It’s a great way for residents to have fun and socialize while getting adequate sleep at night and at the right time.

It’s essential not to forget to gather the party essentials, such as party hats, eco-friendly confetti, and some drinks to toast the new year. As for fun things to do during the party, let them indulge in some games, or put on some music that they can sing along to or dance to. Alternatively, ask the residents to take turns sharing their favorite memories of the past year.

In addition to these activities, doing some light exercises, such as chair yoga, walking, and stretching, around the holiday season is a good way to build strength and energy. Indulging in these activities during cooler months can help ensure better flexibility, balance, strength, and joint health without strain. Additionally, guided breathing and mindful poses can release tension, boost mood, and encourage restful sleep. Moreover, even those with mobility limitations can safely participate in these routines with the assistance of a caregiver.