Three Things To Do Now To Help Your Loved One Start 2021 Off Right

As the holiday season winds down and we all look toward a new beginning in 2021, don’t forget your loved one who is aging in place right now. He/she may have struggled with the virtual nature of the holiday season and now they need something to look forward to in the new year and you can help with that. Even if you are from a distance you can still help your loved one find some things to look forward to as the new year approaches.

It is very common for those living on their own to fall into a winter depression after the holiday season and therefore providing them something to look forward to will brighten their spirits and start 2021 off on the right foot. Whether the things they have to look forward to are virtual activities or not, they will still be something to be excited and hopeful about.

Here are a few ways you can help your loved one keep their spirits up as we descend into a cold winter;

• Research local groups who share in the activities that they like to do. Is there a book club that meets virtually? A group that talks gardening or cooking or any other topic that he/she might like to participate in. If you can find something that is weekly or even bi-weekly, this will keep your loved one with something in their heart to be excited about each week.
• Schedule out time to chat virtually. If it’s a call with you, or their grandkids, or a friend/neighbor, having a set time will be something that your loved one will look forward to and once again having it on the calendar will be a welcome distraction from the awfully slow winter days.
• Get them a puzzle or mind game that they can play each and every day. Having an activity to focus on will keep their mind sharp and make the days move more quickly.

The next few months may be challenging for our loved ones who are aging in place, but there are some things you can do to make sure that they are feeling the love and enjoying the quiet time indoors and not feeling the often lonely feeling of the post-holiday blues.