With 2021 coming to an end soon, you might be thinking of ways to celebrate the new year with your older loved ones. This means you need to decide on the party ideas, what to serve, and how you can make all your loved ones enjoy the celebration, and honestly, it can get overwhelming. So, here are some exciting new year’s activity ideas that your loved ones can enjoy this New Year’s Eve!
Go Down Memory Lane
It is time to take out your photo albums and embrace your favorite memories together with your loved ones. For instance, you can talk about your parents’ dating period, their marriage day, or perhaps some silly things that you did as a child.
Additionally, you can ask your loved ones to bring a few items that remind them of memorable moments in their life. Here are some ideas you can recommend them to bring: clothing, foods, pictures, music tracks, and souvenirs. Throughout the party, everyone can reminisce together, and know more about each other’s favorite memories. This will certainly excite your loved ones as they can talk about their treasured times with the ones they hold dear. Additionally, it can also boost their memory, mental health, and overall wellbeing as it encourages them to remember details and events.
Play Games
Playing games is one of the ways to add some excitement to your party! Importantly, you should ask your loved ones about their preferences, and then confirm with them the games that you would be playing with them. Not only will this cause them to anticipate their favorite games, but they will also not be unpleasantly surprised by foreign games.
You can find many free and classic games online, or print a special “BINGO!” cards for your loved ones. Some old favorite games also include Bunko, Spades, and 42. At the same time, you can also suggest to them new and simpler games like “Charades” to bring everyone together even more.
Host a Themed Brunch
Pay tribute to a time of the past, or have a party themed around your loved one’s favorite show! For instance, you can set up a 50’s themed party and encourage everyone to dress up in their best Elvis Presley’s impression or with perfectly greased hair. For the females, ask them to doll up in their younger times’ poodle skirts and bobby socks. Add on some cheeseburger sliders with root beer floats, and it will make the entire brunch the perfect reminisce of the 50s! Additionally, hosting a brunch is also better for your loved ones with dementia, as they may also experience sundowning during the evening.
Do Arts and Crafts
Your loved ones can have fun doing arts and crafts like making custom party hats and party poppers during the party. Not only does the crafts keep them engaged, but it will also boost their self-esteem as they will feel accomplished upon completing the art. Moreover, there is no “wrong” in arts and crafts, so you can be sure that they will not experience negative feelings like doubt, worry, or fear. Cognitively, crafting will also boost their memory and hand-eye coordination. Thus, get out the markers, stickers, glitter pens, and all the art supplies to excite your loved ones even more!
