Plan Holiday Gatherings To Reduce Stress

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

My husband and I are hosting several large gatherings of family and friends in our home during the holidays. Our guests will range in age from toddlers to older adults. Some of the seniors suffer from physical problems and memory impairments, which makes proper planning imperative. I think you wrote on this topic before, but I lost the column and need some suggestions again.

— Hoping for Happy Holidays

Dear Hoping:

I have written on this subject in the past, but its importance merits repeating. If seniors are to be included in holiday events, special planning can reduce stress and make things run more smoothly. The following are some potentially useful suggestions:

● Consider the physical and mental status of the seniors when planning the gathering. Those needing wheelchairs or walkers may have difficulties with multilevel floor plans and stairs and need activities on one floor. Hearing and vision impairments may require sound and lighting accommodations. Memory impairments may present challenges to family members and guests. Explain the physical and mental conditions to children and teenagers prior to the gathering to help them understand some of the medical and psychological conditions that the elderly face.

● Too many decorations, too much noise and too many people may create confusion for older family members. Giving them an opportunity to observe and participate from the perimeter of a noisy and fast-moving set of activities is often preferred to putting them in the center of commotion. Try to provide several areas where people can converse. This will allow for smaller, less-confusing and more personal interactions.

● Senior citizens can suffer from short-term-memory problems but retain vivid memories from the past. Old photo albums, time spent reminiscing about prior holiday seasons and, when possible, including guests near the age of the older invitees can be helpful.

● Don’t overextend the seniors’ involvement in holiday activities. Providing an opportunity to rest between festivities, such as opening gifts, eating meals and singing carols, is preferred to nonstop activity. Try to make it easy for older guests to go to their room or a quiet place if they become fatigued or confused.

● Remember that some seniors can keep up with much younger adults. Don’t assume that all seniors function in the same manner.