Show Your Elderly Loved Ones You Care 3 Bond-Building Activities to Help You Stay Connected
START A BOOK, MUSIC, OR PODCAST CLUB. When you visit or chat with your elderly loved ones, use media to guide your conversations. Play a song, audiobook, or podcast, and talk about it after. This is a great way to learn more about someone as they share ideas, opinions, and memories. Likewise, it’s an excellent opportunity to start a regular communication you both can look forward to. SING! Over the phone or in person, singing stirs positive emotions in elderly adults, especially those who have advanced dementia. So, pick a song you both know and start singing! Afterward, you can talk about the memories associated with that song or how it makes you feel to sing it. Hopefully, these tips allow you to connect with people who need them most. If you don’t have an elderly individual in your life, consider volunteering at a local assisted living facility and using these tips there. Or, pass them on to someone looking for ways to connect with their grandparents, elderly friends, or neighbors!
The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends — and forge new bonds with your community! Kevin and his son do this by volunteering at a local assisted living facility. Kevin feels strongly connected to the residents. The seniors have captured his heart, and he’s happy to help alleviate the isolation some of them feel during the holidays. This month, you can also break that cycle of loneliness by calling or visiting an elderly relative, friend, or neighbor. Make a goal to reach out every so often and check in; they will feel loved and know they haven’t been forgotten. If you don’t know what to talk about, here are a few ways to make your communication more meaningful. ASK THEM TO SHARE MEMORIES OR TRADITIONS. This is called “reminiscence therapy,” and it allows seniors to feel satisfaction in their old age as they reflect on everything they have overcome and accomplished. It also increases their self-esteem while making you both feel more connected.
Take A Break
No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs
This year-round treat is the perfect dessert for any holiday party. Since you don’t need to worry about a hot oven, it’s a great recipe to make with the whole family — including the little ones! Ingredients • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 3 tbsp softened butter • 1 lb white chocolate candy coating Directions 1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix until evenly combined. 3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm. 4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate candy coating in increments of 30 seconds, stirring occasionally until smooth. 5. In the same bowl, use skewers to dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate before placing them on a lined cookie sheet so they can harden. 6. Chill until ready and then serve!
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