Transitioning through the stages of life is a complicated and deeply personal process. As we age, we become less needed, less busy, and less active in family affairs, leading to a feeling of disconnection and isolation. As life seems to pass our elderly family members by, we strive to find ways to engage them in our day-to-day activities and, more importantly, in our children's lives.
It can be easy for those fortunate enough to care for their elderly loved ones at home to lose sight of the difference between authentic engagement and daily routine obligations. Seniors who can remain at home with professional care are still subject to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Participation in the family encourages the feeling of being needed, wanted, and seen. This article will outline tips for engaging young family members with their elderly loved ones to build and strengthen bonds that benefit both parties.
Create A Memory Book
Children of all ages can participate in creating a memory book with their elderly loved ones. Whether utilizing a traditional photo album, scrapbooking, or video graphics project, this activity connects children with their family member's history as well as the memories made together.
In this way, the child and senior are given a platform to talk, listen, learn, and share their memories and favorite things.
Build A Birdhouse Or Birdfeeder
Many seniors spend time in their rooms enjoying the view from their windows. Birdhouses and bird feeders offer the opportunity to invite feathered (and sometimes furry) friends to visit, creating a more interactive and enjoyable experience. Children and their elderly loved ones can build birdhouses and bird feeders together, getting as creative as they want to be, resulting in a perfect collaborative project.
This type of interactive activity offers both the senior and the child an opportunity to learn from each other and build something they can both enjoy afterward together.
Hopes And Dreams Vision Board
Many seniors dare to dream as they feel that they have already lived the best years of their lives. Children foster hope, and having them create hope and dreams vision boards with their senior loved ones is an inspirational and rewarding experience for them both. Seniors have vast knowledge, which they love to pass on to those coming up in the ranks. When children work with elderly loved ones on future ideas, plans, and dreams, the project creates lasting bonds and hope for the future.
