Tips for keeping seniors engaged during the festive holidays

The festive season brings warmth, music and family — but it can also highlight loneliness and low energy for older people. In Nigeria, where only a small proportion of the population is aged 65 and over (around 3% in 2024), older adults are often less visible in public planning and services, which makes intentional inclusion at home even more important. (Trading Economics)

Here are practical, evidence-backed ways to keep seniors active, connected and safe during the holidays — framed for busy families and carers in Nigeria.

1. Make participation flexible and low-effort
Not every activity needs to be full-on. Offer shorter shifts for cooking, light decorating, card-signing, or storytelling so an older person can contribute without tiring. Research shows that mixing light physical activity with meaningful social roles improves wellbeing in later life. (Frontiers)

2. Use rituals to anchor belonging
Familiar songs, prayers or recipes activate memory and identity. For people with memory problems, music and repetitive rituals can spark communication and reduce anxiety — a simple carol or a favourite hymn can transform a quiet afternoon into a shared moment. (The Guardian)

3. Build small, safe outings into the plan
If mobility allows, short trips to a church service, local market or community event can break isolation. Plan for transport, rest stops and medication needs. Caregivers who prepare logistics make it possible for older family members to enjoy the lights and crowds without stress. (Heavenly Care)

4. Make technology work for them
WhatsApp voice notes, short video calls and family photo groups are low-barrier ways to include seniors who can’t be physically present. Emerging evidence suggests regular, purposeful online engagement can support cognition and reduce isolation when used appropriately. A daily hello by phone or short video message gives something to look forward to. (Health)

5. Plan intergenerational activities
Children and young adults bring energy — simple joint tasks like making ornaments, baking soft snacks, or sharing family stories create meaning across generations. Studies find intergenerational contact can boost mood, reduce loneliness and even motivate healthier routines in older adults. (SpringerLink)

6. Adapt traditions for health needs
Temperature, mobility and medication schedules matter. Offer seating near the action, adjust recipes for chewing or swallowing problems, and avoid long periods of standing. Small adjustments keep seniors included and comfortable. (Dakota Home Care)

7. Watch for warning signs and plan for downtime
Holiday stress may worsen sleep, appetite or mood. Carers should watch for unusual withdrawal, increased confusion or falls and schedule quiet recovery time after events. Simple check-ins and a calm space to rest help prevent exhaustion and crises. (Mayo Clinic News Network)

Final thought & call to action
Holidays are about belonging. With small adaptations and purposeful planning, families and carers can make the season joyful and safe for older relatives. If you found these tips helpful, please share this post — raising awareness is how communities change.

10 relevant hashtags

#ElderCare #HolidayCare #SeniorWellbeing #IntergenerationalJoy #EOONCare #C.A.R.E #NigerianCaregivers #CombatLoneliness #InclusiveHolidays #CaregivingTips

How this links to EOON Care

EOON Care’s nurse-led approach means clinical knowledge and compassionate practice meet at the family table. Our teams put C.A.R.E. — Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence — into action by tailoring holiday plans to health needs, supporting safe outings, and coaching families on communication and routines. If your family needs support to make the festive season inclusive and stress-free, EOON Care provides trained nurses and carers to plan, assist and reassure.