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Most of us feel like the holidays are “the most wonderful time of year!”  However for many older adults the holidays can be a time of high stress, confusion, or even depressing, if their mental, physical and emotional needs are not taken into account.  Here are some tips to help older friends, family members and loved ones enjoy the holiday season, based on advice from specialists in senior medicine at the University of California School of Medicine. 

• Stroll down memory lane, with the help of photo albums, videos, songs or even television or radio, to help stimulate memories and encourage seniors to share their stories and experiences.
• Plan ahead and limit the number of activities your older family member is included in, as well as the length of time they are involved.  The noise and confusion of large gatherings can lead to exhaustion and irritability. 
• Eliminate obstacles such as slippery rugs, furniture barriers or holding the party in a location where you need to re-arranged all the furniture.
• Create new memories, so seniors have something new to participate in, and new traditions can be formed
• Be inclusive and involve everyone in the holiday meal prep and take down.  Older adults may have physical limitations, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help peel vegetables, fold napkins, or arrange flowers
• Monitor medications and alcohol, and have them adhere to their regular schedule of both throughout the holidays.  Alcohol can provoke inappropriate behavior or interfere with medications.