Thanksgiving Activities for Seniors and Their Famlies

Posted by Senior Solutions Management Group on Nov 14, 2022 8:30:00 AM | 2 minute read

Thanksgiving Day is a special holiday for older adults who savor memories of family gathering around the dinner table. In addition to the annual Thanksgiving feast, there are many other activities seniors can enjoy while making the day festive and fun.

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Make a Gratitude Tree

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect and consider what you are most thankful for. One way to share and celebrate what you’re thankful for is by making a gratitude tree. Simply place a decorative branch in a vase and make leaf templates to write your messages on. You can do this on your own, with friends or even your grandchildren.

Throughout the month of November, jot down people or things that you are thankful for on your paper leaves and hang them on the tree. On Thanksgiving Day, share your notes with those you love around the dinner table.

Spend Time in the Kitchen

Food is an important part of the Thanksgiving celebration. Get together with family or friends to make your family’s favorite dishes. While you cook, share stories and memories from years past. It’s a great way to connect with loved ones while preparing for your special meal. Seniors can also use this time to pass down recipes to younger family members, keeping their treasured recipes alive for many years to come!

Prepare the Table Settings

After many years of carving turkeys and baking pies, many older adults are eager to pass on the Thanksgiving meal preparation to someone else in the family. Seniors can take on others important tasks instead, like arranging and decorating the table. From fall-inspired place settings and beautifully arranged centerpieces, you can be as creative as you want with the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Every year, people around the country gather around the television to watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, if you have the space and capacity, consider hosting a parade watching party with friends and family. Provide coffee with light snacks and enjoy each other’s company before your big meal.

Revisit Old Memories

Thanksgiving is a great time to take a walk down memory lane by sharing old memories and photos with loved ones. Recalling happy times from the past can help get dialogue rolling around the dinner table—and it’s a great way to share family stories and traditions with the grandkids as well. Don’t forget your old photo albums as well as a fun way to connect faces with old stories as well.

Embrace Time Together

Above all else this Thanksgiving, appreciate the opportunity to spend quality time with family. Whether it’s playing games around the dinner table, watching football or looking through old photo albums, take time this Thanksgiving to relax and enjoy the company of those you love most.

There’s no reason that older adults should have a Thanksgiving that feels any less special than those spent with family over the years. By incorporating activities and staying involved with the Thanksgiving preparation, you can keep the beloved tradition alive for many years to come.

Topics: Holidays

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