De-Stress Shopping with Older Adults

The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying lockdowns and closing of nonessential businesses saw many of us, seniors included, transition into online shopping for fulfilling all of our needs, both crucial and frivolous. But now that vaccinations have been rolled out and people are regularly getting boosters, many older adults and senior citizens are eager to resume in-person shopping and browsing. Not only are shopping trips fun ways to get out of the house and spend time together, the coming holiday season never fails to bring joy and cheer with all the hustle, bustle, and decorations.

While holiday shopping is generally an enjoyable experience, one shared by almost all people in the country, at the same time it can be a real test of one’s patience. If you’re a family caregiver or other person responsible for an elderly person’s day to day care, it can be a real head scratcher trying to figure out the best way to make a shopping trip as enjoyable and simple as possible. If you’re finding yourself stuck, here are some ideas for you to consider.

A very important step you can take to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself and your senior charge is choosing the right time. While the idea of being part of a lively shopping crowd may seem appealing at first blush, the smarter move may be to avoid peak shopping hours. Weekend mornings and afternoons will be a challenge at every step of the way, as parking will be an issue that eats up time before you even get into the store. It can be even more difficult if you need disabled parking spaces, as there is only a limited supply of each at any given location. Public transit will also be crowded with people looking to shop as well, and schedules are usually different on weekends.

Busy times also mean crowded stores, long lines at registers and fitting rooms, and other shoppers rushing all around you, heedless of others in the store. Weekday mornings and the evenings on weekends are usually a better bet. This way you can avoid testing the endurance of your senior loved one, especially if they have health or mobility concerns.

If you’re planning on doing lots of shopping, making numerous purchases or buying large items can keep you delayed and bogged down with carrying, transporting, and wrapping them all. Make use of any store services. Maybe they can handle wrapping or even shipping them to the recipients for you, or simply hold them for a while for you to pick up once you’re ready to leave, or take them out to your vehicle for you.

Make sure to take frequent rest breaks. Look for seating areas inside stores, or in adjacent areas like restaurants or parks. And while you’re at it, remind your senior to drink plenty of water and eat meals or snacks as needed. Many seniors take medications throughout the day, so on extended trips make sure to bring any prescribed doses and set alarms and reminders on your phone or watch.