Although St. Patrick’s Day is considered a traditional Irish holiday, many people around the world indulge in a variety of festivities designed to commemorate the day. Young and old celebrate the day in different ways. There are many ways seniors can enjoy St. PAtrick’s Day with friends and family.
1. Share St. Patrick’s Story
Older adults often share their life experience, knowledge, and skills with younger generations. Holidays are no exception. Traditions are often passed down from one generation to the next. Seniors might consider telling the story of St. Patrick to their grandchildren. It’s likely that few are aware of who he was and how the celebratory holiday came into existence or how the color green, shamrocks, and leprechauns became part of the heritage.
2. Do a Modified Pub Crawl
Young people often indulge in pub crawls on St. Patrick’s Day. However, older adults, friends, and family members might think about celebrating the day by having a house crawl instead. Participating individuals make Irish-themed dishes, from appetizers to desserts. All then venture to one another’s homes and feast on the homemade delights. The event provides older adults with the chance to go out and spend time with people, which broadens their social networks. Socializing is essential for an older adult’s emotional, mental, and physical health.
Although some elderly people have mobility challenges that limit their ability to venture out on their own, they can still get out of the house and socialize with the help of a professional caregiver. Oshkosh at-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
3. Watch a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Communities large and small with residents of Irish descent often present a St. Patrick’s Day parade. The processions include elaborately decorated floats, Irish-themed music, and costumed participants. Mascots dressed as leprechauns and other characters from Celtic lore delight spectators by throwing candy and gifts into the crowd. The event provides cognitive stimulation and the chance to spend a memorable time with loved ones.
For seniors with health limitations that make joining crowds a challenge, watching the parade on television or online can be fun. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
4. Enjoy Some Irish-Themed Entertainment
Some communities host concerts presented by Gaelic musicians and vocalists that older adults might enjoy. Local pubs might offer live entertainment. Make some green-tinted popcorn, green-tinted sodas, and shamrock cupcakes and stay home to enjoy a selection of films. Spend the evening with your senior parent watching a video recording of Riverdance or any number of Irish-themed movies, such as Darby O’Gill and the Little People, The Quiet Man, The Secret of Kells, and In the Name of the Father. The time spent together provides the chance to make memories, and it might also influence your loved one to share memories of his or her own.
5. Play St. Patrick’s Day Games
Play bingo or Pictionary using St. Patrick’s Day–themed cards. Use green daubers for the bingo cards and green markers to create the Pictionary images. Playing games provides seniors with the chance to spend a pleasant time with loved ones while receiving cognitive stimulation.
Engaging in fun activities all year long helps seniors boost their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, but some may need a bit of assistance to remain active. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Oshkosh home care services professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.