Creative Ways to Connect with Aging Family Members this Family Day Weekend

Route65.ca team wishes you and your loved ones a happy Family Day long weekend!

Family day is a great opportunity to connect with your loved ones, especially senior family members who may be experiencing loneliness. Research has found that social relationships play a significant role in enhancing life satisfaction among older adults, contributing to their emotional well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life (Cheng, 2016). Finding meaningful and creative ways to engage with them can strengthen bonds, enhance their well-being, and create lasting memories. Regardless of whether it is online or in-person connections, here are some great ways to connect with family members.

Revisiting Old Memories

Being reminded of the past brings joy to older family members. For example, looking through photo albums, watching documentaries and movies from the past and going to their favorite neighbourhood around the town are an amazing way to spend time with family members. It could even be listening to their favorite stories or life learnings. Woods, B., et al. (2018) found that reminiscence therapy can improve mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being in older adults, particularly those with dementia.

Engage in an Interactive Activity

Another great way to spend time with older family members could range from cooking or baking together to doing arts and crafts. Research has shown that playing cognitive games significantly improves people’s lives. These games could include puzzles, board games or chess (Verghese, J., et al., 2003). This could be an outside activity as well. Going for a nice walk around the park, getting to know a local neighbourhood or going to your family’s favorite restaurant could be a wonderful way to celebrate Family Day.

Write Letters or Record Messages

Another meaningful way to connect with loved ones is by writing letters or recording video messages that they can cherish in the future. These gestures serve as a beautiful way to reminisce about the past and preserve precious memories for older family members. You can turn this into a creative activity by incorporating artwork or making it a thoughtful gift that they can revisit whenever they need a reminder of your love and appreciation.  

Connect with them online

If you are away or don’t live close by, one way to connect with senior family members is through an online platform. You can set up video calls or phone calls to connect.

Conclusion

Family day is a great reminder to spend time with loved ones whether online or in-person. Simple yet thoughtful activities can strengthen bonds, create lasting memories, and enhance well-being, making loved ones feel valued.

References:

Cheng, S. T. (2016). Social relationships and life satisfaction in older adulthood. Journal of Gerontology.

Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine.

Woods, B., et al. (2018). Reminiscence therapy for dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Tatel, S. (2020, February 20). Finding creative ways to connect with the elderly. Companions for Seniors. https://companionsforseniors.com/2020/02/creative-ways-to-connect-elderly/