Holidays offer ample opportunities for families to recall and reminisce about past Thanksgivings, family gatherings and shopping trips made with children and elderly loved ones. Even before November begins, some grandparents have already apportioned time, effort, and money in setting goals and making holiday plans for dinners, in addition to prepping homes for family visitors. Making plans and setting goals “involves processing information filled with personal meaning – knowledge about past experiences, motivations, plans and social context,” says Nathan Spreng in a recent Science Daily article, “Reminiscing can help boost mental performance.” Nathan Spreng, a neuroscientist from Cornell University led a study that shows how reminiscing boosts mental performance in some individuals.
The opportunity to set holiday goals and plan activities gives seniors the occasion to reactivate cognitive skills. Acknowledging the importance of a senior’s past and treasured experiences provides caregivers and family members the opportunity to validate what is important in a senior’s life. What may seem insignificant may be a cherished memory later in life; a song heard for the first time, or the aroma of grandmother’s turkey baking in the oven may provide enduring memories for older seniors.
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Just as some family members may wander into the kitchen to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner, others may want to find time to chat with old and young about recent experiences and personal family updates. Family football fans may assemble to watch the latest college football games during a long Thanksgiving holiday.
I treasure the funny moments I had sitting next to my grandfather while watching college football over Thanksgiving break. In fact, I remember laughing at his reaction every time someone fumbled or made a touchdown. He probably wondered why I was laughing; it was the reactions, his sighing and the motions made by his enormous hands that made me laugh. A set of piercing hawkish blue eyes would always roll in my direction after each of my untimely laughs.
We recognize Thanksgiving holidays as a time to celebrate older and newer traditions. Holidays offer an excellent opportunity for family caregivers to help older loved ones participate in organizing and planning activities.
If you are planning to spend some extra time assisting elderly grandparents or aging parents preparing for the holidays, take the time to accommodate their needs and their wishes. When helping someone, consider this golden rule, "It is not about us, when giving of our time, but about others."
Senior Helpers of Orlando provides home health care for seniors and older adults living in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Call us to find out about our services at 407-628-4357 or feel free to visit our website.
The opportunity to set holiday goals and plan activities gives seniors the occasion to reactivate cognitive skills. Acknowledging the importance of a senior’s past and treasured experiences provides caregivers and family members the opportunity to validate what is important in a senior’s life. What may seem insignificant may be a cherished memory later in life; a song heard for the first time, or the aroma of grandmother’s turkey baking in the oven may provide enduring memories for older seniors.
cComments
Got something to say? Start the conversation and be the first to comment.
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Just as some family members may wander into the kitchen to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner, others may want to find time to chat with old and young about recent experiences and personal family updates. Family football fans may assemble to watch the latest college football games during a long Thanksgiving holiday.
I treasure the funny moments I had sitting next to my grandfather while watching college football over Thanksgiving break. In fact, I remember laughing at his reaction every time someone fumbled or made a touchdown. He probably wondered why I was laughing; it was the reactions, his sighing and the motions made by his enormous hands that made me laugh. A set of piercing hawkish blue eyes would always roll in my direction after each of my untimely laughs.
We recognize Thanksgiving holidays as a time to celebrate older and newer traditions. Holidays offer an excellent opportunity for family caregivers to help older loved ones participate in organizing and planning activities.
If you are planning to spend some extra time assisting elderly grandparents or aging parents preparing for the holidays, take the time to accommodate their needs and their wishes. When helping someone, consider this golden rule, "It is not about us, when giving of our time, but about others."
Senior Helpers of Orlando provides home health care for seniors and older adults living in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Call us to find out about our services at 407-628-4357 or feel free to visit our website.
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