7 Great Tips for Holiday Fun with Your Aging Parents

As the holidays roll around there is a never-ending list of things to do on top of our daily responsibilities. But it is important to make time for your aging parents. Remember when you helped mom and dad decorate the house and put ornaments on the tree? Sometimes aging parents spend too much time alone indoors. The holidays can add to these feelings of loneliness.

Here are a few fun ideas to have a great time with your parents this holiday season. There are plenty of opportunities to make their holiday season special.

The Nutcracker is a timeless classic that is enjoyable for all ages. This means you can take the grandchildren too! Originally commissioned by the Director of Moscow’s Imperial Theatre in 1892, The Nutcracker ballet has proven itself to be the most popular holiday ballet in the West. Seniors like Mom and Dad may have seen it before, but with hundreds of different versions, it is always a new experience. Watch a junior production at a local theater, or head to the city for a world class experience.

Nothing spreads holiday cheer and brings people together like baking. The warm oven during the cold season is enough reason to break out the flour. With excellent company, there's no better holiday activity. Whether you’re preparing Christmas dinner or baking cookies, there’s always an excellent reason to get messy in the kitchen. This is a great opportunity to share family recipes, make the house smell incredible, and build family traditions. 

There is no better way to spend quality time with family than on a vacation. Although vacations require significant planning and coordination, the experience will be worth the trouble. Head to Palm Springs to enjoy the natural hot springs in blissful ignorance of winter or play a couple rounds of golf out in the countryside. You can go somewhere extravagant like Hawaii or Costa Rica to really get away.  Or take a road trip to your nearest local landmark. Any excuse to get the whole family together makes for an incredible holiday.

Enjoy your vacation without worry by bringing Alert1’s mobile fall detection system with you on the road. Let us protect you so you can enjoy your adventure without worry. 

A trip down Candy Cane Lane is just what the doctor ordered this season! Drive your aging parents through neighborhoods to admire lawns adorned with elaborate lights and blowup decorations. You may even be lucky enough to spot a festive scene with fake snow falling onto the lawn and a radio soundtrack for extra holiday cheer. 

Load up on hot chocolate to make an especially cold night cozy and enjoyable. Do a bit of research to find the best houses before you head out. Most cities have a website dedicated to local must-sees. There’s always someone new trying to claim the title of "Best House in Town".

After seeing all of the local decorations, take the cheer up a notch by touring your local big city. A quick online search will show options for a guided tour to see the city all decked out. These tours showcase amazing buildings, give a brief history lesson, and feature dazzling lights. Many cities create beautiful displays especially for the holiday season. Taking a guided tour not only means you’ll see the best of the best – you may get a complimentary alcoholic beverage for riders 21 and up. Just remember to bundle up as some tours use open-air buses and trolleys that may be too chilly for some seniors.

Your aging parents may not get out of the house as much as they would like to. Help give them back their independence by taking them shopping with you. Everyone loves that holiday feeling in the air! You get to spend some quality time together while completing your holiday shopping of your own.

Oftentimes seniors resort to giving money or gifts ordered online. But we all know they would much prefer picking out a gift in person. Point out that special toy their grandchild will love and hint at that kitchenware for niece and nephew.  While you’re at it, this will be a great opportunity to figure out what they want for the holidays. If they don’t have one already, an Alert1 medical alert system makes a perfect holiday gift – it is the gift of peace of mind.

Cold weather can come with dry skin and annoying hangnails. Take some time to pamper yourself. Going to the spa or nail salon with your aging mother is a great way to spend time together. It’s very relaxing and the perfect opportunity to catch up with each other. Get a facial, a massage, or spruce up your nails with amazing holiday decorations. You may come home with Santa Claus fingernails or snowman toenails!

Still looking for the perfect holiday gift? An Alert1 medical alert is the perfect companion for your aging parents. A medical alert will keep your parents safe and give the whole family peace of mind. We will watch out for your parents when you can’t be with them.

The holidays are all about spending time with your loved ones. Make this holiday season extra special with the perfect gift and these festive holiday activities.

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