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So that seniors can be in the Valentine’s Day spirit, here are 12 things they can do to celebrate the special day:
- Cook and share a sweet treat. Studies have shown that homemade cooking is likely to reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases because it tends to be healthier than restaurants. We recommend cooking a heart-healthy dessert like our Berry Crumble à la Mode recipe!
- Go for a walk. Pick your favorite spot – perhaps a nature trail or a hub in the city – and go for a stroll. A more active lifestyle is beneficial to brain and heart health and is a fun alternative to an expensive night on the town.
- Share memories and laughter. Reminisce about memories by bringing out old photographs, videos, or love letters. Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to enjoy the benefits of intergenerational connection by helping the senior in your life share memories with younger family members.
- Have a movie night in. It can be fun to kick up your feet and have a restful night in. Pick out your favorite movie from a local library or online streaming service, make your dessert and get cozy!
- Perform a puppet show. Puppets can be a great way to engage with someone with dementia. Puppets can stimulate memories, enhance communication, and bring a joyful mood to your evening.
- Go to a museum. Spend the afternoon enjoying art together and picking out your favorite pieces. Head to the gift shop and pick up a postcard or print of your favorite piece to help you remember the afternoon in the future.
- Play a card game. Card games are a great way to keep your brain healthy. From Go-Fish to Bridge, there’s something for every interest and ability level.
- Set up a virtual call with friends or family. Valentine’s day is a day that should be filled with love, connection, and happy feelings. It is a great time to set up a Zoom or FaceTime call with family, especially if your loved one hasn’t been physically around many people lately. Assist your loved one with the technical set-up, and spend time catching up, laughing, and sharing recent things that have happened in your life.
- Make a puzzle. Send the day inside with your loved one and put together a puzzle of one of their favorite scenes.
- Listen to music. People who have lost other memories can often still remember the lyrics to their favorite song. So play some tunes from your loved one’s hay-day and hum, sing or dance along.
- Have a tea party. A healthy way to throw a memorable Valentine’s day party is by having a vintage-themed tea party! Brew up some of your loved one’s favorite teas, decorate some tea biscuits together, and play some music that would spark your loved one’s memories. Making an environment that is familiar to your loved one may trigger stories, emotions, and can help start conversations.
- Make dark chocolate covered strawberries. Dipping strawberries in dark chocolate is a healthy, easy, and engaging craft for seniors. Doing this is a great opportunity to talk about love and lightheartedly engage with your loved one. Serve with tea for an extra relaxing and loving time.