One of the highlights of spring for many is commemorating Memorial Day with friends and family. For older adults, it can feel alienating to be surrounded by unsuitable festivities they can’t participate in during a Memorial Day picnic. As a loved one, how can you go about planning a Memorial Day picnic inclusively for all ages? We have the answer!
Add Foods That are Easy to Eat Onto the Menu
Of course, one of the necessities of an annual Memorial Day picnic is food. Hence, it’s crucial to ensure that the treats offered are inclusive and suitable for all ages. Foods that can be eaten by hand such as sandwiches are great for older adults with shaky hands, as food that requires utensils can be difficult for them to navigate, leading to embarrassment. It can also be considerate to leave some low-sugar or low-salt food options for your loved ones with special dietary requirements due to conditions such as diabetes, helping them to enjoy a worry-free Memorial Day. When you make the effort to implement such inclusive measures, it’s rewarding to see everyone digging in without hesitation!
Plan Inclusive Activities
Your loved one would appreciate being able to participate in a few Memorial Day activities themselves, rather than being forced to watch from the sidelines! When brainstorming on the activities to arrange for your picnic day, include some less physically demanding, elderly-friendly activities in your plans. Some examples of fun activities would be card games and board games, which are sure to be a family-friendly hit! They’re also easy to pack, just bring along a pack of cards for a game of Solitaire or a portable box for a game of Scrabble.
Pack Inclusively
You can go the extra mile by considerately packing enough sunscreen to go around the night before the trip. Sun safety is doubly important for older adults, as sunscreen protects elderly folks from skin cancer. You can also bring along spare medication on the off chance your loved one runs out of or forgets theirs. Additionally, your loved one could be too caught up in the festivities to remember daily tasks such as taking medicine. To make sure your loved one has a safe Memorial Day, you can set a reminder on your smartphone to alert you when it’s time for your loved one to take their dosage.
Ensure Their Comfort
By making the picnic environment as comfortable as possible for your loved ones, you can help them avoid any pain or discomfort during the picnic. For example, rather than forcing them to sit on the ground or on a bench far away from the festivities, you can bring a foldable chair that allows them to stay comfortable and engaged in the event at the same time. They’ll appreciate you going out of your way to make them feel physically included!
Here at TerraBella Summerville, our celebrations and events are always inclusive. In fact, they’re designed for your elderly loved ones and their similar companions. Learn more about the senior living options we offer today!
