Family memb
ers can help seniors enjoy a more meaningful holiday season if they provide them with gifts that enhance emotional and cognitive well-being, increase social interaction, and promote physical wellness.
Purchasing tickets to musical performances or paying for a monthly membership to a gym are great gift choices. Encouraging loved ones to sign up for craft activities or helping them join a local choir program will help boost a senior’s holiday experience. Does a family caregiver need assistance in caring for an older spouse or parent living at home? Provide senior loved ones with the gift of in-home health care services during this holiday.
Musical performances and events enhance the holiday experience and reduce senior isolation
Watching a live musical performance can have a positive impact on brain health and help reduce emotional stress in some seniors. Attending a local musical event, like a holiday choir performance or ballet presentation, can contribute to a positive holiday experience and help reduce social isolation. Consider some of the following activities.
Orlando Ballet, The Nutcracker, December 7 – December 16
What a wonderful holiday gift to be able to attend Orlando Ballet's December presentation of The Nutcracker. Older adults and family caregivers are sure to enjoy this popular Orlando event. Performances are from December 7 to December 16, 2018. You can attend afternoon performances or the more formal 7:30 p.m. evening events at the Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida. For complete schedules, times, dates, and ticket prices, please visit the Orlando Ballet’s website at http://orlandoballet.org/event/the-nutcracker-2018/ or the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Art’s website at https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2018/the-nutcracker/.
Hands-On Craft Workshop at the Orlando Museum of Art, December 14
Are family seniors interested in arts and crafts? They can participate in a hands-on craft activity at the Orlando Museum of Art. Help them sign up for the “Studio One: Felt Ornaments with Catherine Cross” workshop on Dec. 14, 2018. Hands-on workshop event is from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Workshop is $25. Studio One members pay $22.50. Pre-registration is required! For more information, please call (407) 896-4231. To register online, please visit https://orlando.tamretail.net/EventPurchase.aspx
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, A Classic Christmas, Dec. 15 – Dec. 16
Surprise senior family members with a wonderful holiday gift! Invite them to attend the popular Central Florida event A Classic Christmas, presented by the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra. Two evening performances are scheduled at Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, on December 15 and December 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Afternoon performances have also been scheduled on both December 15 and December 16 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For information about ticket prices and event details, please visit the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park’s website at http://bachfestivalflorida.org/events/category/choral-masterworks/a-classic-christmas/.
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park’s Young at Heart Chorale
Do you have a senior family member who likes to sing and who might be interested in joining a local choir? Participating in weekly choir rehearsals provides the opportunity to engage in a mentally stimulating activity while increasing social interaction.
Encourage loved ones to join the Bach Festival’s Young at Heart Chorale. This local program is for adults 55 and older. No auditions are required! The cost to participate is currently $50 per semester. This program would make an excellent gift option for the coming year. To find out more, please visit http://bachfestivalflorida.org/community/young-at-heart-chorale/.
Encourage exercise by gifting a membership to a fitness center, gym, or YMCA
Group exercise programs help to increase physical activity and promote social interaction. Seniors who live alone and lead a sedentary lifestyle can benefit by participating in guided group exercises, like those offered at the local YMCA, community gym or area senior center.
YMCA of Central Florida
YMCA senior membership programs are for adults 65 and older. Group exercise programs may vary by location. Please call (407) 896-9220 to inquire about locations, membership fees and group activities. Find out about senior membership programs and information by visiting the YMCA of Central Florida’s website at https://ymcacentralflorida.com/membership/senior/.
Home health care services help reduce family caregiver stress during the holiday season and throughout the year
Provide loved ones with the gift of home health care services during the holiday season. Does a family caregiver need assistance in caring for an older spouse or parent living at home? Organize a support group with reliable family members and licensed caregivers who are trained to provide in-home health care services. When the family caregiver is in need of a break, the support-team member can step in and help care for a loved one. Holiday reunions and busy family schedules can take a toll on family caregivers. Provide a special holiday break for that very special senior or family caregiver!
We hope our blog about holiday gift ideas proves helpful to you and your family.
Should you need assistance in caring for a loved one and would like to inquire about home health care services, call Senior Helpers Orlando at (407) 628-4357. We will be glad to schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience. Senior Helpers of Orlando provides Alzheimer’s care and home health care services in the counties of Orange, Osceola and Seminole.
Happy holidays and best wishes to you and your family!
Ana P. DeLane
Senior Helpers Orlando Team Member
Resources and references
The Nutcracker; Orlando Ballet; retrieved Nov. 28, 2018, from http://orlandoballet.org/event/the-nutcracker-2018/
Studio One: Felt Ornaments with Catherine Cross; Orlando Museum of Art; registration information retrieved Nov. 28 and Dec. 4, 2018, from https://orlando.tamretail.net/EventPurchase.aspx
Orlando Museum of Art; https://omart.org/
A Classic Christmas; Bach Festival Society of Winter Park; retrieved Nov. 28, 2018, from http://bachfestivalflorida.org/events/category/choral-masterworks/a-classic-christmas/
Young at Heart Chorale; Bach Festival Society of Winter Park; retrieved Nov. 28, 2018, from http://bachfestivalflorida.org/community/young-at-heart-chorale/
Senior Membership; YMCA of Central Florida; retrieved Nov. 28, 2018, from https://ymcacentralflorida.com/membership/senior/