Seniors enjoy being included in holiday activities

The holidays can be fun for older adults even if they have physical or cognitive limitations.

It’s all about spending time together, feeling included, and enjoying the good company – whether in person or virtually. 

The activities you do together don’t have to be exciting to be special and meaningful. Simply being able to join in brings joy and helps your older adult enjoy the season.

So, we’ve rounded up 20 fun holiday activities for seniors that are perfect to enjoy with family and friends. 

We also share tips on how to modify or pace activities to keep older adults from getting too tired or overstimulated.

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20 fun and festive holiday activities for seniors

15 activities for staying at home

1. Make a holiday wreath – these are fun and festive

2. Decorate and fill stockings – try this fun mini stocking kit

3. Make pomanders with oranges and cloves – like this

4. Decorate the house – here are some fun ideas and these mini hat ornaments are adorable and easy to make

5. Prompt kids to ask about “the olden days” so they can learn about their grandparent’s youth (this is a great conversation starter for phone or video calls)

6. Play simple card games or board games

7. Enjoy listening to your older adult’s favorite tunes

8. Sing holiday songs together – try these holiday classics

9. Have a movie night with snacks, extra pillows, and warm blankets to cuddle under

10. Have a relaxed chat over tea or coffee

11. Bake cookies – try these delicious, easy-to-make gingerbread cookies

12. Cook or prepare favorite holiday foods together

13. Have a gift wrap party – don’t worry if things aren’t perfectly wrapped, it’s the fun that counts!

14. Get your older adult’s help with holiday cards – writing, addressing, or sealing envelopes

15. Ask for their opinions or ideas while you’re shopping online for gifts

5 activities for going out

1. Stroll around the mall and admire the holiday decorations – go at less-popular times to avoid crowds

2. Take a family walk around the neighborhood or through a local park

3. Enjoy a delicious meal at a favorite restaurant or get take-out and eat at home

4. Watch the latest feel-good holiday movie or fun comedy in the theater

5. Take in a local play or musical

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Pace activities and modify as needed

Encourage older adults to join in the holiday festivities whenever possible, but be careful not to overdo it.

Many of these activities are low-key and can be easily modified to fit your older adult’s energy level and abilities.

But it’s still wise to be on the lookout for signs of fatigue and proactively suggest breaks or a mid-day nap.

If your older adult has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you may want to modify activities even further to avoid overstimulating or confusing them.

Recommended for you:

1. 50+ Best Gifts for Seniors: Things You’ve Never Thought Of

2. 48 Amazing Gifts for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

3. 5 Top Alzheimer’s Holiday Tips for an Enjoyable Season

By DailyCaring Editorial Team Image: MonkeySee

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