So many of us are thoughtfully wishing each other well, enjoying our shopping, attending various parties and engaged in preparations for the upcoming holidays. We are happy, excited, stressed, and busy, busy, busy! And this is typical for this time of year. There is a lot to do to be “ready,” but how many of us think about the seniors in our lives, whether they are relatives, friends or neighbors who may not be able to get out and about like they used to, or at all?

Sadly, about 1 in 7 individuals over the age of 65 cannot drive. This means that they rely on others to help them, not just in preparing for the holidays, but also throughout the entire year. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Those well over 65 face the additional struggle of having lost a spouse, family and friends and this may not feel like the happiest of times of the year for them. Because they know you are busy, they are also likely reluctant to ask you to do anything for them.

As you are going about your holiday preparations and activities, here are a few ideas for brightening the day of the seniors in your life who may be unable to get out on their own.

1. When possible, include the seniors you are close to in your preparations. You may need to provide transportation, but you will find that seniors are a wonderful source of information, perspective and creativity. They will enjoy feeling needed and you and your younger family members may learn something new!
2. Enjoy outings together. When possible, include your seniors in as many activities outside their homes as they are able to enjoy.
3. Bring the holiday season to your seniors and help them decorate their homes and share goodies (only as their dietary restrictions may allow them to enjoy) and stories with them.
4. Do your best to make sure that the seniors in your family are not alone on the holidays. This may take some planning, but the feeling of inclusion will go a long way to helping them through the long, cold winter.
5. Enjoy a holiday movie or program together. Select something the entire family may enjoy and share a meal together before or after.
6. Help with gift shopping. If your senior is unable to physically shop, perhaps you can add his/her gift list to your own or help with online shopping.
7. Bake cookies or make other holiday treat together. Even if you do most of the work, it’s the fellowship that will be enjoyed and remembered.

Keep in mind, too, that winter can feel extremely long for someone who cannot get out on a regular basis, so try to include your seniors and spend time with them throughout the season. You will all have a much warmer winter!