Senior Living Blog

For most football fans, this time of year means one thing and one thing only?preparing for the Super Bowl. There is no denying that this Sunday is the biggest day in sports, whether you are a diehard NFL fan or not. However, if you are planning on watching the Super Bowl with your senior loved one, then there are a few things that you will want to do in order to make sure that you are both making the most of this fun day in sports.

If your senior loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living community?then it doesn?t mean that there aren?t specific things you can do to make this a memorable time together. You may just need to make a few small adjustments to the experience. Take a look at these easy and practical tips that can help you make the most out of your Super Bowl viewing experience.

Focus on Spending Quality Time Together

Whether it is just you and your loved one enjoying the game or if you are hosting a get together with your senior in tow?make sure that you don?t forget to spend quality time together during the game. After all, you will be in a comfortable and relaxing environment so whether you are just sitting with them, taking the time to tell stories during commercial breaks or having them help you as you prepare snacks for the big event?there are a lot of opportunities to spend time together and you should take advantage of them.

If you are someone who is really invested in this year?s Super Bowl matchup and think you can?t focus enough attention on your senior loved one during the game, then this may not be the event for you.

Get Them Involved In the Game

If your senior loved one isn?t particularly big in to football?it is OK. You should still take a few extra steps to help get them involved in the game. If they don?t really know either team, just give them a suggestion for who to root for so they have some interest in the game and cheering for one team or the other.

You can also consider getting your loved one a new shirt, jersey or some pom poms and cheering accessories that can really help get them in to ?rooting? for one of the teams. It doesn?t matter if this interest in who wins doesn?t last all that long?it is OK if your loved one loses interest in the game, but getting them all set up for who to root for can make it feel more special than just sitting around with the television on.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Like a lot of ?big? events like this, the Super Bowl is a great time to encourage seniors to take a trip down memory lane. You can ask your senior loved one about what they used to do for Super Bowls when they were younger or ask them to tell you about a favorite story when they watched a Super Bowl or went to a memorable football game.

You may get to hear a new story you?ve never heard before, or learn about a tradition that your senior loved one used to enjoy when they were younger. This is a great conservation starter that can really help any senior get involved in the game.

Prepare Healthy Snacks

One of the best things about Super Bowl parties is the snacks, so take the opportunity to make some really special snacks for your senior loved one. Your senior may not be able to (or want to) enjoy all of the pizza, wings and greasy foods that come with traditional Super Bowl fare, so consider making some healthier snacks, like sandwiches on whole wheat bread, veggie trays or grilled chicken tenders instead.

It can still be a great hit! And you cannot only help your loved one enjoy some food items outside their normal menu, but you can take the time to make these snacks together and really enjoy some extra bonding time.

Make Some Friendly Wagers

There are a lot of people who like to make bets during the Super Bowl?so why not get in on some (responsible) fun. Instead of betting money, bet snacks, small prizes or who gets to choose what to have for dinner later that week.

This is a great way to really get in on the fun, but without putting too much pressure on your loved one by betting money. There is a little extra thrill that can come with placing a friendly bet. And you can bet on more than just who wins the game. You can place fun bets like who will score first, what songs are played at the half time show and how long the Start Spangled Banner takes.

Get Into the Commercials

For a lot of people, the Super Bowl is about the commercials more than the football?and that is OK. The commercials are another fun thing to chat about with your senior loved one and another experience that can bring up conversation starters and stories from the past. The commercials are fun, so why not get into them?

The Super Bowl is a fun opportunity to go all out and make a special night together with your senior loved one. If you keep these tips in mind and make sure to not make the experience too overwhelming for them, it can end up being a truly wonderful bonding experience.

After all of the excitement from the holidays is over, take this opportunity to really make for a special night with senior loved ones. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a really thing during this time of year, and seniors are even more vulnerable to it than other age groups. This is why the Super Bowl is such a great opportunity to schedule some post-holiday fun with your senior loved one.

At SeniorAdvice.com, we believe in giving back to our local community and to underserved people around the world. We are one of the primary sponsors of?Well Aware, a global water charity based in our hometown of Austin, Texas.

Below are some photos taken in Tanzania, East Africa when Well Aware traveled there recently to drill a water well.

Sleep is so important for every senior and while experts recommend that seniors get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night, the average elderly adult doesn?t even get close to that much rest at night. In fact, insomnia is more common among seniors than any other age group. This is why it is so important for seniors to be open to different tools and approaches that can help them get to sleep.

One of the many tools that seniors may want to consider is a sound machine. There are many different noises that are known to help with sleep, and while everyone is different, here are some of the most common noises that can help anyone drift off to sleep.

White Noise

White noise is one of the most popular sleep sounds out there, as it is designed to help people tune out all other outside noises and distractions. White noise sounds like a very subtle radio frequency sound and is great for seniors who can?t sleep because they are easily woken up by different noises in their environment.

Nature Sounds

Nature sounds, as the name suggests, are designed to sound like rainforests, the beach or other outdoor environments. These sounds are known to be relaxing, but sometimes the animal noises can be confusing to seniors, so they may not be for everyone.

Water Noises

Water noises are another really popular option when it comes to sleep sounds. Water sounds can come in the form of light rain, running water or ocean waves. The rhythmic nature of water sounds are great for light sleepers, as there is rarely a break in the pattern of the noise, which can help soothe any anxious senior to sleep.

Pink Noise

Like white noise, pink noise is designed to help tune out other sounds that may be distracting, but it has a slightly softer tone than white noise, so it is a great option for seniors that don?t like white noise. It is also popular for seniors who struggle with ringing in their ears and find it prevents them from sleeping.

There are many seniors who are using sound machines and even cell phone apps to help them fall asleep. Sleep sounds are known to help promote natural relaxation, which can be really helpful for seniors who have anxiety and even those that struggle with dementia or sundowning.

Sleep sounds are also very popular among seniors who are living in nursing homes or assisted living communities, where the environment can be noisy or distracting. All seniors need to do is to find a sleep sound that works for them. There are so many different options out there.

Typically, the best way to try out sleep noises is for seniors to test out these sounds during a nap before transitioning the sleep sounds to their nighttime routine.

While many people think that winter is a time to put on weight and to soak up all of the foods and treats from the holiday season?this doesn?t have to be the case. If you are a senior who is sick of the holiday weight gain, and all of the health (and cosmetic) issues that it can cause, then there is no better time than the present to start getting an exercise plan going.

The great thing about senior-friendly exercise is that it doesn?t have to be difficult and it doesn?t require an expensive gym membership. There are many easy, in-home senior-friendly exercises that any senior can start doing this winter to not only beat the winter weight gain but to help them get in shape and stay in shape for season to come.

Why is Physical Activity For Seniors Important?

Sure, beating holiday weight gain is an important part of starting to exercise, but it isn?t the only important thing. Regular physical activity can help deliver other benefits for seniors, including the following:

• Maintaining healthy muscle mass, which can help with strength and prevent falls.
• Increase bone density, which will lessen the chances of breaks or fractures.
• More core strength to improve balance, posture and flexibility.
• Improved control of chronic disease symptoms, and better immunity.
• Decreased chances of depression (especially in the winter) due to the release of endorphins.
• Better cardiovascular health.

These are all great benefits of regular exercise. However, according to the CDC, nearly 30% of adults age 50 and older and not physical active. If you are ready to start ramping up your physical activity, here are some fun and easy workouts you can do right in your own home.

The best part about doing these exercises in the home is that they are safe, convenient and affordable. Not only do you not have to pay for a gym membership, but with these workouts, you also don?t have to worry about getting out of the house and traveling to the gym?especially in the winter.

At Home Strength Workouts For Seniors To Try

Ready to start working up a sweat at home? One of the best ways to do this is through strength training exercises. Strength training isn?t just for body builders or those who are looking to add bulk?it is actually very important for seniors as well.

Regular strength training can help seniors with all of their everyday activities and can help the littlest things become much easier. From walking up the stairs to getting in and out of the car?the more muscle strength you have the better. Plus, muscle strength is essential for helping prevent falls?which is the most common reason that seniors end up in the emergency room.

Strength training can not only improve muscle mass, but bone density as well and can actually reduce your risk of complications from heart disease.

Here are some easy and effective strength training exercises for seniors to do right at home this winter.

Wall Push Ups

Push ups can be a lot of work for any adult, especially seniors, but you can get similar arm and core benefits by doing wall push ups instead.

• Stand straight up, facing the wall about one foot away.
• Place your palms facing forward in front of you resting them on the wall.
• Lean forward, using your arms as support and do a ?push up? as you would on the ground.

Repeat this exercise 10-15 times and push yourself to do several sets.

Chair Squats

• Stand in front of a chair with your feet shoulder width apart.
• Bend your knees as though you are sitting in a chair, and keep your shoulders and chest forward and upright.
• Lower yourself down as though you are about to sit and push yourself back up right before you bottom hits the chair.
• Use the chair itself for extra stability, if needed.

Repeat this exercise 10-15 times in a row and work your way up to three sets.

Grocery Arm Curls

You don?t have to use heavy weights in order to do bicep curls. Instead of pushing yourself in this manner, grab some everyday groceries like water bottles, canned vegetables or gallons of milk and use them as ?weights? as you perform basic and easy arm curls.

Balance Exercises For Seniors

Much like strength training, balance is also very important for seniors. Here are some easy balance exercises any senior can do at home.

Calf Raises

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart near a chair for support.

• Life yourself up on your toes as high as you can, you should feel a pull in the back of your calves.
• Carefully lower yourself back down so your heels touch the ground.

Repeat this 15-20 times, taking time to rest in between. This will not only help your balance, but will give you a great calf workout as well.

Flamingo Stand

This is an easy, yet effective exercise to help build balance, and it is something you can do while watching TV or listening to the radio.

• Stand straight up with your feet shoulder width apart.
• Pull one knee up to your chest and hold, challenging yourself to balance on one leg.
• Use the chair for support if needed.
• Hold for 3-5 seconds, lower your leg and repeat.

When you are done, try this exercise on the other leg.

Balance Stick

Sit in a chair with strong posture, the core engaged and your shoulders up and back. You should feel tightness in the core.

• Hold a cane, stick or broom out in front of you, the palm of your hand, keeping it flat.
• Let the cane balance as long as you can, until your arms grow tired.

As you continue to get better at this exercise, start moving your arms, in sync, up and down for more of a challenge.

These safe, easy, indoor exercises are all great ways for you to get in shape this winter and stay in shape all winter long.

 

 

 

There are so many people, of all ages, who just simply don?t love the winter. Whether it is the cold, or the dark or the dangers of snow and ice, winter is not exactly a lot of people?s favorite holidays?especially seniors. While there are some seniors who will choose to retreat to warmer destinations during the winter, there are many seniors who just tough it out instead?and will look for different activities that they can do to have fun all winter long.

While this may sound easier said than done, these senior-friendly activities can be a great source of inspiration for you to try and have fun this winter season. These safe, senior-friendly indoor activities are safe, fun and a great way to beat the cold.

Take a Dip in the Pool

Swimming isn?t just a summer activity?it is a great winter outing as well. Swimming in the winter is a great way to get some wonderful exercise. There are so many gyms and aquatic centers that have indoor swimming pools and many of them offer special discounts and membership rates for seniors.

Swimming isn?t only fun, but it is a great way for seniors to get out of the house and challenge themselves physically and mentally. Swimming is perfect for seniors because it is a low impact activity and one that isn?t tough on sensitive joints and has no weight bearing.

You can even push yourself to try a water aerobics class for seniors.

Fun and exercise all in one activity? It is easy to see why so many seniors love to swim all year long.

Join a Book Club

Book clubs are such a fun reason for any group of peers to get together and a great way for seniors to socialize and push themselves mentally and try and read new things. Trust us, when those winter evenings get dull, you will love having a book to cozy up to and love planning ahead for your book club meetings.

Whether you want to start your very own book club with friends and neighbors or reach out to others (or even your local library) to find an existing book club to join?there are so many great benefits of book clubs.

Hit the Lanes

Being active in the winter doesn?t necessarily mean going to the gym or taking a dip in the pool?there are other ways to stay active as well. We suggest joining a bowling league. There are so many senior-bowling leagues and lanes across the country and they are both a great activity to get out of the house and a great social activity.

The best part about bowling? It doesn?t have to be warm out for you to hit the lanes and start bowling.

Get in the Mood for Spring and Start Growing

Gardening is a great activity for the spring, but it is also something that you can do in the winter as well! Starting and maintaining an indoor garden and growing plants indoors is a fun activity and a great project that you can manage on your free time.

You can grow vegetables in your indoor garden, or even certain fruits. There are plenty of kits and indoor heat lamps and lighting systems that can help you maintain something more difficult like this. You can also start planting and growing flowers which will bring a little freshness and beauty indoors during the winter.

Embrace Your Inner Kid and Start Playing Games and Puzzles

A quick trip to the toy and game department may inspire you to try something new and to embrace your inner child. Puzzles are a great activity for seniors and they can really stimulate the brain and challenge you to start thinking. Puzzles come in all different forms and sizes whether you prefer word games, number challenges or classic jig saw puzzles.

While you?re looking for these fun indoor activities, why not pick up some board games as well? Board games are a fun way to spend time with your friends, family and loves ones and can encourage any senior to embrace their silly side and have a little fun.

Learn Something New

You?re never too old to learn something new. This winter, instead of spending all of your time indoors reading the paper or watching television?why not challenge yourself to try something new. We recommend trying something like an instrument.

It is a great way to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, challenge yourself to do something new and it takes a lot of practice?which will really fill those cold winter nights up. Think about an instrument you?ve always wanted to learn to play, and give it a try! While lessons are always a great place to start, there are so many different online programs and even YouTube videos that can help you as well.

Dance Like No One?s Watching

If you are a musical person?but not necessarily someone who wants to learn a new instrument, why not give dancing a try? Dancing is a great way to stay active and get moving, especially in the winter months when many people find themselves curled up inside all day.

You can join a senior dancing class like Zumba, or challenge yourself to sign up for ballroom or line dancing classes. If you aren?t big on the organized group dancing?why not just turn some music on and start dancing around your own house in the afternoons to have a little fun and get a little exercise while you?re at it.

With fun activities like this on your agenda all winter long, you may quickly find there is no need to shy away from the winter season and can soon start having a greater appreciation for the winter and just how great this time of year can be!

This season is a really common time for family travel, especially around Thanksgiving and the Winter holidays, which are right around the corner. Traveling can be fun, but it can also be quite stressful and can take a lot out of you if you aren?t careful. This is especially true for seniors.

Traveling as a senior can be very strenuous. It can lead to illness and confusion and it can make any senior very tired when everything is said and done. Any senior planning on taking a trip this season, whether they are driving a few hours or flying across the country, needs to be prepared with a few travel tips.

Travel doesn?t have to be overly stressful, just keep these tips in mind first.

• Load up on the vitamin C first. Seniors are already prone to getting sick during this time of year, but their chances increase even more when they are traveling. Stress, lack of sleep and being in tight quarters on planes and buses around sick people can all put seniors at risk when they travel. Giving the immune system a boost ahead of time with plenty of vitamin C and water can help ward off illness.
• Keep medications handy. Seniors should always pack a purse, fanny pack or small backpack with all of their necessary medications or any medications they may need for when they travel. Think of this as a traveling medicine cabinet. It is always best to be as prepared as possible, and to make sure that this bag stays handy at all times, whether it is on a plane or when you are spending a day at a relative?s house.
• Comfort is key. It is easy for seniors to want to push it while they are traveling in order to keep up with everyone else they are spending time with. Seniors should always make sure that they are wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a light jacket wherever they go and doing their best to know their own limits. There are so many seniors who ultimately get sick after they travel because they have stressed themselves out. This doesn?t have to be necessary.
• Ask for help. There are many resources available for senior travelers, which is why no senior should feel bad asking for help. Seniors should try to travel with someone else, arrange for transportation when getting to and from the airport and take advantage of priority airline boarding for seniors. Travel can be stressful, but there are free resources available that can help.

The biggest thing for seniors to remember when traveling is that preparation is key. The more time they take to make sure all of the details are covered?the better off they will be. There is no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to traveling as a senior, and little tips like this can go a long way in helping any senior have a safer and more enjoyable travel experience.

A lot of people, of all different ages and backgrounds love music and make music part of their everyday life. However, listening to music? can do more than just spark joy in people, it can actually come with a number of proven benefits?especially among seniors.

Take a look at some of the great benefits that music can have on any senior in your life.

Psychological Benefits

Music is more than just entertaining to listen to, it can have some serious psychological benefits as well. Seniors who listen to music regularly tend to have a better outlook on life. Studies show that seniors who listen to music regularly have more positive social interactions, better moves and improved interest levels in their hobbies and passions.

More specifically, researchers have looked at the benefits of listening to music on seniors with dementia and Alzheimer?s disease. These studies found that those who listen to music can communicate better as music is one of the most powerful ways for seniors with dementia to trigger memories from their past. Music is a great way to stimulate the area of the brain that holds memories.

Physical Health Benefits

Seniors who are looking to promote better overall health may find that listening to music can help. Research on music and seniors found that those who listening to music regularly enjoy better sleep, less pain and better physical recovery time.

Listening to music can also help with coordination and increased mobility, which is something that every senior can benefit from. Whether seniors are just listening to music regularly or getting up and dancing to this music, they can expect physical benefits such as this.

Seniors who have recently suffered from a stroke may find some physical music benefits as well. Research shows that those who listen to music regularly after having a stroke tend to recover their verbal skills faster.

Reducing Stress

Seniors who easily get stressed or agitated can help find stress relief by listening to music. Research has shown that seniors who listen to music during times of stress enjoy higher self-esteem, increased feelings of relaxation and less tension and anxiety.

There are a few different approaches to this?you can play relaxing music for a senior loved one when they are feeling stressed or play a song that was meaningful to them in the past. There are also many seniors who find they can relax better before bed by listening to music before they fall asleep.

Music is an important part of everyday life and is something that is so easy for any senior to incorporate into their life, whether they are listening to music at home, on-the-go, in the car, or anywhere in between. If you are looking for a way to bring music into your senior loved one?s life, consider playing their favorite songs, taking them to a live concert or introducing them to some of your new favorite tunes you think they will love.

Now that fall is upon us and cold weather is right around the corner?there is no better time than the present to start thinking about some warm weather vacation destinations to help beat the cold and embrace the heat with the right vacation get away. There are so many great vacation ideas and destinations that are great for seniors, even those with limited mobility.

Any seniors who is looking for a fun getaway to escape the cold, consider these warm-weather destinations for an upcoming getaway.

Las Vegas

While many people think of Las Vegas as a place for late-night activities and bachelorette parties, it is actually one of the top destinations for seniors to get away. Las Vegas is perfect for the senior who prefers to sit inside and gamble instead of walking around and doing tourist attractions all day long.

There are also plenty of mobility options for seniors who are limited in their ability to get around, including lots of benches, wheelchair accessible areas and more. There are also plenty of shows and activities that run during the afternoon matinee. This means seniors don?t? have to stay up late to take in all of the shows of Las Vegas. Plus, there are many performers with residencies and shows in Las Vegas that are of the senior generation?making it a great getaway for any elderly adult.

Phoenix, Arizona

Many seniors love Arizona and for good reason. Arizona is warm during the winter, but due to the dry heat, many seniors find it is much more tolerable than other warm weather destinations. Phoenix is a great destination for seniors as many locations are accessible by wheelchair and scooters and there are many museums and destinations that are easy for seniors to get around in and that even offer special senior discount rates.

Miami Beach, Florida

For seniors who prefer to be beach bums when they go on vacation?Miami Beach is a great place to get to. This area has a lot of retirees in the area, and plenty of senior-friendly activities for older travelers. Of course, the most popular reason to visit Miami Beach are the actual beaches!

Miami Beach has a huge stretch of beautiful white sand beaches, palm trees and beautiful fruit trees. There are also popular destinations including the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum that are accessible for seniors who may struggle with getting around. With so much to do, and sunny warm weather even in the winter, it is easy to see why this is such a popular vacation destination for older adults.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico is another great place for seniors to visit as it is warm all day long and has that dry heat that doesn?t get too overwhelming for older adults. Santa Fe has plenty to do for seniors and visitors of all ages, and it has beautiful scenery for visitors to enjoy. This city has a lot of galleries, museums and visitor attractions as well. Plus, it has some great history for any history-buff to enjoy! This city also has the oldest state capital in US history, which can be very fun for any senior to explore!

Key West, Florida

There is no denying that Florida is a very popular place for seniors. This includes popular destinations such as Key West. The Florida Keys has a number of great beaches, sailing and plenty of outdoor activities for seniors who like to be outside and enjoy the warm weather. Plus, Key West has a slower pace than some of the other Florida cities, making it great for older adult visitors. Plus, seniors will be in great company as this is one of the most popular places in the area for seniors to spend their retirement.

The Caribbean

For seniors who are looking for a memorable vacation and a real getaway?the Caribbean is a great option. There is so much to do in the Caribbean, but most seniors will love just dipping their toes in the crystal clear water and strolling along the white sand beaches. The Caribbean is known for being relaxing and low key, which is why it is more popular for seniors than other tropical destinations.

There are not only many senior-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, but retirees can enjoy a quiet vacation if they go during the right time of year. If seniors go during the winter and avoid spring break and summer crowds filled with kids, they can enjoy a quiet vacation destination that they are sure to love.

Of course, while choosing the right destination is most of the battle when it comes to planning a winter getaway, there are other tips for seniors to keep in mind as well to make sure that they are making the most of their vacation and staying safe and healthy while they do it. The more planning seniors can do ahead of their vacation the better.

Seniors should always make sure that they find a destination that works for their own individual limitations and abilities?this means finding a destination that isn?t too stressful to get to and one where flights or car rides are manageable enough to handle. Nothing can put a damper on a vacation quite like feeling sick, overwhelmed or too tired after the physical travel portion of the trip.

Seniors should keep these tips in mind as they plan their upcoming trips away, whether they choose one of these warm weather destinations, or any other place around the world.

 

 

It is so important for seniors to be able to get out socialize with their peers and to engage in activities that can help keep them stay stimulated and active. This is one of the best ways to help seniors not only stay happy and avoid depression, but even help with issues such as early dementia.

Unfortunately, for many seniors, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain the type of social life that they want. This is why it is so important for seniors to think outside the box and to start joining different clubs and organizations designed with senior social events in mind. While meeting up with old friends for coffee is a great start, many times, this alone isn?t enough to help keep seniors as engaged and mentally and socially stimulated as they need.

This is why senior-only book clubs are so great. Here are a few of the many benefits of these book clubs.

• It provides seniors with much-needed social time with their peers, which can be hard to schedule as we get older.
• For seniors who live a more solitary lifestyle, it can help them meet new friends their own age, particularly if many of their friends have passed or moved away.
• It can encourage seniors to challenge their minds by reading new books and materials, especially books they maybe wouldn?t have otherwise read.
• Book clubs can show seniors they aren?t too old to try something new, which can be encouraging.
• It is a great excuse for seniors to get out of the house.
• If seniors join a book club that travels between homes, it can encourage them to host and keep their home in order for guests.

Seniors need to stay active as they age if they want to make sure they are aging in a healthy manner. Book clubs are a great way to do this. Most book clubs only meet about once a month, which means it won?t be too much of a commitment, especially for seniors who need help arranging transportation. Plus, having a book to read every month is a great way to help seniors build a more set schedule.

Finding a senior-only book club can be easier than it seems. There are Facebook and NextDoor groups that specifically cater to senior book clubs and meet ups. There are also many community centers, gyms, senior centers and assisted living homes that organize senior-only book clubs. There are book clubs that travel from place to place, or those that hold monthly meetings in the same place in community centers and assisted living communities.

Book clubs are just one of the many ways that today?s seniors can get out there, stay social and keep their minds and imaginations wandering as they enjoy a great activity with their peers.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there is no better time to start planning for some fun and festive Thanksgiving-themed activities. There is no better way to get in the Thanksgiving spirit than with a few planned activities, especially for seniors who are living in nursing homes or assisted living communities.

If you are looking for some inspiration or some fun activities to try this Thanksgiving season, take a look at these easy, fun and enjoyable activities that can bring some warmth, happiness and a sense of gratitude to any senior?s life during the Thanksgiving season.

Make Thanksgiving Cooking a Competition

Every family has their own traditions when it comes to the food they enjoy the recipes they make on Thanksgiving. Easily bring these recipes and traditions to a whole new audience of friends with a friendly Thanksgiving cooking competition. Seniors can reminisce about their favorite recipes, get back into the swing of things when it comes to cooking and baking and share their favorite foods with others.

It is also a fun way to taste the creations and concoctions of others, too! It is a great way to share and make fun memories around this holiday.

A Gratitude Tree

While it can be easy to think that Thanksgiving is all about turkey, treats and lazy football Sundays?what this holiday is really about is being thankful for what and who you have in your life. It can be easy for any person to forget about all of the things that they have to be grateful for around this time of year. This is where a gratitude tree comes in!

This is a great activity both in home and in an assisted living community or nursing home setting. All you need to do is write down what you are grateful or thankful for and hang them up on a tree, poster or bulletin board for others to see.

Write Thank You Notes To Friends and Family

Since Thanksgiving is all about being grateful and appreciative not only for the things that you have, but the people you have in your life as well. A great way to do this is to write thank you letters to the people that matter most. Seniors can do all of their thank you notes at once, or they can write notes throughout the month to simply tell the people in their lives how much they care.

These notes can be simple, sincere and heartfelt and will not only brighten up the days of others but will help the person writing look back fondly on some wonderful memories.

Thanksgiving Bingo

There is no denying that Bingo is a great game for seniors, and you can enjoy a fun twist on the classic game around Thanksgiving. Instead of using normal numbers on the Bingo card, try Thanksgiving-themed cards that have holiday images on them instead of numbers.

Thanksgiving Bingo isn?t only fun, but it can help with short-term memory, long-term memory and even critical thinking skills. This is why Bingo is so great and now it can help anyone get in the mood for Thanksgiving as well.

Try Some New Recipes

While cooking old recipes from the past is sure to bring a sense of nostalgia to the holiday season, Thanksgiving is also a great time to try some new recipes as well. There is no better time than the present for seniors to try something new and to expand their horizons?and a great way to do that during this time of year is to try some new recipes out. This can be a fun afternoon activity or seniors can get together with the whole family on Thanksgiving day.

Organize Family Photos

The fall is a great time to get together for family photos. If you want to really make this Thanksgiving one to remember, then getting together and organizing a family photo is a great option. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and seniors will undoubtedly love having some beautiful, professional family photos that they can love and cherish.

Relax and Do Some Puzzles

Puzzles are a great post-Thanksgiving meal activity and a fun thing to do all month long as you get ready for the big day. Buy some Thanksgiving-themed puzzles so seniors can enjoy casually putting them together on their free time. This is a fun way for any senior to spend their afternoons in assisted living while getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Putting puzzles together also encourages critical thinking skills, problem solving and helps seniors with their fine motor skills as well. This is a great relaxing activity to enjoy during the chaos of the holiday season.

Get Creative With Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are great activities for seniors. They can help with fine motor skills and help seniors get their creative side of the brain working. This can even be a fun way for seniors to spend time with their grandchildren.

Whether seniors want to make decorative wreaths or garlands for their room or the assisted living community, or if they want to make decorations for someone special?there are a lot of different turkey and fall-themed ways to decorate for Thanksgiving.

Seniors can also help make decorations for the big day by creating fun and festive place cards for everyone who will be attending their Thanksgiving celebrations. Place cards can be as simple or as elaborate as seniors want and it is a great way for seniors to feel like they have helped or contributed to the big meal.

There is no wrong way to celebrate Thanksgiving and no end to the different ways that seniors living in their house, assisted living communities or nursing homes. It is all about appreciating the time of year and being grateful for what you have in front of you.