As the holiday season approaches, we tend to be busier than ever with endless lists of to-dos and shopping trips. With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, we often forget what’s actually important—family. We often take for granted the fact that we have our families constantly around us, where as particularly older members of the family in senior living communities don’t always have that luxury. Unfortunately, during the holidays, many older loved ones end up feeling left out of the festivities or even totally forgotten. Senior isolation impacts mental health in profound ways. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to include older family members in your holiday festivities.
Senior Living Doesn’t Substitute For Family 
An adult living community is a great place to find friends, community, and a sense of belonging. However, it doesn’t replace quality family time. We know you won’t forget your loved one on the actual holiday, but keeping them involved throughout the season is important, too. Some of their favorite pastimes might be finding the perfect tree, shopping for goodies, or even helping prepare the turkey. Including them in these activities will mean so much to your loved one.
Combats Senior Isolation
As adults become older and less active, they often experience loneliness and social isolation. Mental health is a big concern for people as they get older. Depression and anxiety can be detrimental to their overall lifestyle and may even shorten their lives. The holidays can be a particularly depressing time for older family members as they’re not always included in everything. Getting your loved one out of their home and involved with your family’s holiday activities is a simple way to help combat senior isolation. Even if it’s just sitting at the dining room table decorating cookies, little things like that can mean the world to some people.
Gives Assisted Living Residents The Chance to Carry On Traditions
Do you ever wonder why you celebrate the holidays the way you do? More than likely you learned those traditions from older family members. Including them in your celebration gives them the chance to pass down their beloved traditions to you and your children and explain how they became traditions in the first place. Traditions are important to every family, and adults living in assisted living communities appreciate the chance to share their favorite parts of the holidays with their loved ones.
Help Your Loved One Stay Active in The Retirement Community
At Holly Hall Retirement Community in Houston, Texas, we like to keep our senior living residents active. We know how important mental and emotional health can be, so we encourage residents to get out and enjoy the company of others as well as their families. If you or your loved one would benefit from finding a new place to call home, get in touch with us today! Our active adult lifestyle experts will be able to answer your questions and assist you with whatever needs you have.
