By Suzanne VanSlyke
The holidays have officially arrived! And with the holidays comes the tradition of family and friends gathering together, planning special menus, buying presents, caroling and sending greetings to those we love.
It sounds like a lovely picture but sadly, everyone doesn’t have a Norman Rockwell holiday. For many older adults, the holidays can be a trying time, one that has to be endured rather than enjoyed.
People who are ill, people with mobility challenges and those with limited or perhaps no family in their area, may not have an opportunity to make any preparations or participate in holiday festivities. This can lead to sadness, loneliness, depression, and consequently a decline in health.
What can we do to help the people we know will be alone or aren’t capable of getting out? If you want to help others during the holidays, reach out to your place of worship, your neighbors or an organization or business that has a mission of helping others.
Maybe you can help establish a “Celebration of Seniors” program where volunteers provide a gift and a basket of food. Even better, the gifts could be delivered by a family who can spend some quality time together enjoying each other’s company like a family would.
Offer a ride to and from a celebration to a person who wouldn’t be able to go otherwise. Take someone shopping and help pick out or carry purchases or do the shopping for them. You can even help with wrapping gifts and mailing if needed. I’m sure each of you can think of other ideas and ways to help.
Together we can make the holidays great for everyone.
Become a member of the BCOA! For more information, contact: jbrooks@BeavertonOregon.gov
The post Beaverton Committee on Aging: Share Some Holiday Spirit appeared first on Beaverton Resource Guide.
