VISITING ANGELS WHITE PLAINS, NY 914-696-4200
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The Importance of Family this Holiday Season

The Importance of Family this Holiday Season

Family is a gift celebrated in every culture. As we grow older, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and other acquaintances may drift off, but family members stay constant. Seniors with strong family bonds have been known to have a higher quality of life overall as they bring a sense of stability, comfort and togetherness. This holiday season, the best gift you can give to your senior loved ones is improved mental, physical, and emotional function through the simple act of spending time together. 

Better than a friend

An American Sociological Association study showed that having a network of close family members is directly linked to living a longer life. While friends are known to bring joy and enrich our lives through companionship, this social group did not affect the longevity of life among members of the study. A joyous and beneficial holiday for senior loved ones can be as simple as celebrating these family bonds through an extended visit. Families develop a deep sense of trust and knowledge of personal history that can be hard to find in anyone else. Being present to help seniors navigate difficult life changes, discuss personal emotions and celebrate the good times will give them a strong feeling of connection and support.

Learning from children

Spending time with children and younger family members this holiday season can have several positive impacts on seniors. Studies show that spending time with children helps seniors feel less isolated and helps feelings of depression subside, a common mood change in the cold winter months. Young children keep seniors active and fill them with a sense of purpose as a leader of the family, and their energy is contagious. According to the United States of Aging Survey, 40% of seniors’ main aging concern is maintaining physical health and 32% maintaining mental health. This holiday season, quality time with children will address both of these concerns by boosting activity and keeping seniors positive and motivated.

Strength in memories

Having so many shared experiences, families often reminisce on shared moments near and dear to the family history. Spending time together throughout the holidays can remind seniors of the joys they’ve experienced while creating new memories together. Asking seniors to recall memories or tell stories can also strengthen mental capability. About 40% of people aged 65 or older have age-associated memory impairment. The brain is a muscle and using it regularly will keep seniors actively working to prevent further or future memory issues. 

Holiday cheer

The joy that accompanies the holidays comes during a time of cold or severe weather, short days and extra time indoors. Together, these can cause seasonal-affective disorder or depression in people of all ages. Seniors, however, are particularly susceptible as many live alone and do not have the mobility they once had. While it’s common knowledge that depression affects mood, it can also significantly impact the immune system in aging adults. Brightening your loved one’s holiday season this year will boost their mood, but it’s another way to boost their ability to fight off infection, disease and the complications of aging.

The caregivers at Visiting Angels Westchester County in White Plains, NY, are here to provide customized care for your senior loved ones throughout the year in Westchester County. The holidays can be hectic with traveling, gatherings and family visits, and a helping hand can go a long way in caring for your aging loved one’s needs. Our caregivers are ready to work with your schedule at any time of day and are available for any emergencies or a last-minute change of plans. The companionship, encouragement and comfort provided by our caregivers throughout the cold winter months is a source of joy in many seniors’ lives, especially when families must return home after the holidays. To learn more, get in touch with us and explore the possibilities for a better quality of life today at (914) 696-4200.

Serving Westchester County

Visiting Angels WHITE PLAINS, NY
4 W Red Oak Ln #112
White Plains, NY 10604
Phone: 914-696-4200
Fax: 914-696-4201

Serving Westchester County

Visiting Angels WHITE PLAINS, NY
4 W Red Oak Ln #112
White Plains, NY 10604
Phone: 914-696-4200
Fax: 914-696-4201