C RY D E R
P O I N T
DECEMBER 16
Simple ways to safely bring joy
to seniors during the holidays
(BPT)–Many seniors and their loved ones are taking
special precautions to stay healthy, including limiting
or eliminating visits and other activities that can cause
COVID-19 to spread. That’s because the older you are,
the higher your risk of severe illness from the coronavirus,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
While these important steps help keep seniors physically
healthy, they can have a negative impact on mental
well-being. Many elderly people already felt isolation
before COVID-19 limitations. Now that many activities
and interactions they previously enjoyed are no longer an
option, this can be particularly disheartening, especially
during the holiday season.
In fact, 76% of people 65 and older are anxious to
spend time in-person with their loved ones, according to
a COVID-19 impact study by Comfort Keepers, providers
of senior in-home and respite care. What’s more, 57%
are eagerly awaiting the chance to embrace a loved one as
soon as they can.
“Seniors are struggling with the emotional impact of
isolation now more than ever due to COVID-19,” says
Carl McManus, CEO, Comfort Keepers North America.
“Fortunately, with a bit of creativity and outside-the-box
thinking, friends and family can still bring joy to older
loved ones to elevate the human spirit even from afar.”
McManus and the experts at Comfort Keepers share
their top tips to bring joy to seniors in a safe manner:
Send joy in the mail
Many seniors still hold close the art of the handwritten
letter, so try sitting down and writing out your thoughts
to share with a loved one. An alternative would be a
greeting card with a salutation and positive thoughts for
the future. While sending mail for special occasions is
always a welcome idea, consider sending letters periodically
just to brighten the day.
SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER
There are many ways to virtually celebrate the holiday
season. You can decorate a tree in a senior’s yard, leave
a gift basket or greeting card on their doorstep, or have
a drive-through holiday parade right in front of their
home. Other traditional holiday activities that you can
still do include caroling, gift giving and cookie exchanges.
Take the time to plan the big celebration days, but don’t
forget about bringing daily doses of joy throughout the
season.
SHARE MEANINGFUL
MEMORIES
Show seniors you’re thinking about them by sending
imagery of your times together over the past few years.
This could be a photo either via text, email or mail. You
can also have children paint or draw their favorite memories
with senior loved ones. A picture is worth a thousand
words and by sharing imagery of meaningful experiences
you’re showing that you cherish time together also. And
sharing photos can help older adults feel connected and
loved.
MAKE MOVIE MAGIC
Plan a time to virtually connect and watch a joyful
movie together. It might be a classic, an option that’s been
on your must-see list for a while, or a new release. A video
meeting app can work best for this activity as it allows for
easy interaction as you watch your flick, plus you can see
each other’s reactions throughout the movie. For seniors
who are less comfortable with technology, consider sending
them your favorite film and theater treats to enjoy and
share your thoughts together later over the phone.
Name that tune
Music is a special part of the human experience and
our favorite songs can bring a smile any time of the year.
Take time to make a playlist of your loved one’s favorite
music and send it as a gift in whatever manner is most
16 CRYDER POINT COURIER | DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
easily accessible, digital or on CD. You can also plan a list
of different songs and play them on random and guess to
see who gets the most song titles right the fastest. Video
and phone calls are also a great time for a sing-along or
impromptu serenade!
GET GRANDKIDS IN ON THE
FUN
For grandparents, grandkids are their pride and joy.
Invite your kids of all ages to participate in activities,
including singing contests, book reading, board games,
crafts and more. Even a simple conversation sharing
their interests, what’s happening at school and any craft
projects is a pure joy. Also consider asking grandma and
grandpa to have a Zoom class to teach kids a treasured
craft, activity or recipe. And many seniors love to connect
with children in their community, so consider having
kids write cards or draw pictures for seniors that may be
feeling lonely or isolated.
BECOME BAKING BUDDIES
If you both have the ability, it can be a fun experience to
bake together simultaneously. You might try a new recipe
or one that is a family tradition. Get all the ingredients
ready and then set a time to meet online virtually to start
chopping, mixing and blending until you bake and compare
results. Kids love participating in kitchen adventures
as well. You can also make your favorite treats and gift
them to seniors in your local area.
“Having a connection is so important to so many seniors,
which is why a simple act of kindness can mean
the world even if that looks a little different this year,”
says McManus.
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