Easter is a time to celebrate spring, spend time with loved ones, and observe the traditions associated with Easter. For many elderly individuals, this is also a time to reminisce and commemorate childhood memories. Easter is also the perfect opportunity to engage aging loved ones in exciting Easter activities that stimulate them physically and mentally.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has made celebrating holidays with loved ones a little more challenging than in the past. However, there are still ways to engage your loved ones in these Easter activities:
1. Help with an Egg Hunt
One of the most memorable activities as a kid during Easter is an egg hunt. Seniors with dementia can help in the event by stuffing plastic eggs with candy and other trinkets. If possible, your loved ones can even help hide the eggs. They will greatly enjoy watching young family members laugh and play while searching for the hidden eggs. This is a great way to engage in socializing activities and boost their moods. Even if your loved one lives in an assisted living community, they can still engage in their own Easter egg hunt with other residents.
2. Make Sachets
Making items with your hands can help those with motor disabilities strengthen their motor skills. Your loved one can make a sachet using fabric pouches that are durable and colorful. Aromatherapy has a calming effect on the nervous system. Lavender is known to have a positive therapeutic effect on depression and anxiety. Help your loved one fill the pouches with lavender seeds and glue the edges together. The sachets can be used personally, or as gifts, in drawers or anywhere you need a burst of lavender scent.
3. Make Creative Easter Baskets
Many people, typically parents, enjoy giving Easter baskets to their children. Helping your elderly loved ones make their own Easter baskets can be rewarding. Use common household items, such as empty boxes, colored papers, candy, and decorations to create a beautiful and festive basket. You can even make DIY “grass” by cutting paper into thin strips and placing them in the basket.
4. Create Easter Cards
Arts and crafts are some of the most rewarding activities. Setting out pieces of paper with various bright colors, Easter stickers, markers, and crayons will encourage your loved ones to be creative and feel a sense of purpose. You can even help them mail their beautifully made cards to their family and friends.For many elderly individuals, this is also a time to reminisce and commemorate childhood memories. Easter is also the perfect opportunity to engage aging loved ones in exciting Easter activities that stimulate them physically and mentally.
5. Paint Eggs
Dyeing Easter eggs may be challenging for some seniors. However, they can still have fun decorating eggs using paint and spring-themed stickers. Using watercolors to paint eggs helps your loved ones strengthen their motor skills, use their imagination, and feel like a kid again.
6. Create A Garden
Easter reminds us of spring and spring reminds us of new life and beautiful flowers. Growing a garden is an ideal way to celebrate the season, while watching something thrive in a caring environment. You can help your loved one plant a small garden or even a windowsill box of colorful flowers perfect for any home. This stimulating activity will keep your loved ones engaged by creating a garden, watering the flowers, and watching their efforts grow and prosper.
7. Have a Virtual Family Gathering
Easter is a time for celebration – life, love, and happiness. It’s also a great opportunity to get together, even virtually, with family and friends. Keeping in touch with loved ones is important, especially if you are unable to visit “in-person”. Zoom calls, FaceTime, or even audio group conference calls can make all the difference.
It’s no secret that Easter may look a little different this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. There are plenty of ways to keep the traditions of Easter while staying safe. So, get into the Easter spirit, be creative, and celebrate!
