Summer can be lonely for older people, especially those who live alone or in nursing homes or senior centers. It’s a time when families go to the beach or festivals, have friends over for BBQs, and take day-trips. Often a senior will hear about these activities from their family members or from others in their living facility. But they’re seldom invited to join in. This summer, invite Grandpa or Great-Aunt Agnes along on some of your activities. If they aren’t able to participate, plan some of your activities around them. Go to the senior center and play cards or board games with your loved one and others whose company she enjoys. Bring ice cream and cookies to his home and spend the evening. Take her outside under a shade tree and help her organize or redo her address book. Bring that box of loose family photos that have been passed along over the generations and ask him to identify the people and tell you about them. How to make a happy summer for your loved one: just spend some quality time together.
By the way,today is National Senior Citizens Day. Is there someone in your life you should call or visit today?