How to Include Elderly Relatives in Family Events

According to the U.S. Census, about 7.2% of family households were multigenerational in 2020. Family events are more than just gatherings-they're opportunities to connect and show love to every member of your family, especially your older relatives.

When you plan a family event, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and accidentally leave out your grandparents, elderly aunts, or uncles. But including and engaging elderly relatives is important. Keep reading to learn how to make family events welcoming and enjoyable for everyone, no matter their age or mobility.

Identify the Needs of Your Elderly Relatives

When planning family events, you need to think about what your older relatives might need. Some may have trouble walking or hearing, while others might have special diets. Your elderly family members want to feel included and valued, just like everyone else.

Consider if they can easily move around the event space. Check for steps, narrow doorways, or long distances to walk.

Think about their health needs, too. Do they need to eat at certain times or avoid certain foods? Many elderly relatives may have specific medical conditions that require attention. You should also be aware of any medications they might need to take during the event.

Remember that your older relatives might feel lonely sometimes. Family events for seniors are a great way to help them feel connected. They have lots of stories and experiences to share, which can make your gatherings more interesting for everyone.

Encourage Family Participation in Planning

Getting everyone involved in the planning process can make your family event even more special. Start by holding a family meeting, either in person or virtually, where everyone can share their ideas and preferences. This helps ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. When family members contribute their thoughts, they're more likely to feel invested in the event.

You might create a simple survey to gather input on activities, food preferences, and timing. This can be a fun way for everyone to express their opinions and help shape the event.

Assign roles to family members based on their strengths or interests. For example, one person could handle decorations, while another manages food or activities. This not only lightens your load but also gives everyone a sense of ownership over the event.

Plan Thoughtfully for Family Events

Choosing the right location for your family event is important when planning intergenerational events. Look for venues with ramps, plenty of seating, and easy-to-reach bathrooms. It's also smart to pick a spot that's not too far from hospitals or clinics, just in case. Accessibility should be a top priority in your planning.

Think about when and how long your event should be. Many older adults have more energy earlier in the day, so you might want to plan your main activities for the morning or early afternoon. Keeping the event length reasonable will help ensure that no one gets too tired or overwhelmed.

Make sure you tell your elderly relatives all the details about the event well in advance. Let them know what to expect and ask if they have any special requests. When you involve them in the planning process, they'll feel more excited about coming and appreciated for their input.

Consider using a family group chat or email to keep everyone updated on plans and changes. This way, everyone stays informed and can share their thoughts on what activities they would enjoy most.

Choose Accessible Activities for Everyone

Plan games and activities that everyone can enjoy together to coordinate more inclusive family gatherings. Card games, bingo, or simple crafts are fun options that allow all ages to participate without feeling left out. These kinds of senior-friendly activities encourage interaction and laughter among family members.

When it comes to food, make sure there are options for everyone's dietary needs. If your grandmother requires low-salt meals or your uncle can't eat gluten, plan accordingly. Setting up comfortable seating arrangements will also help everyone enjoy their meals while chatting easily with one another.

You may want to incorporate some low-impact physical activities as well, like a gentle group walk or stretching session. These can be enjoyable ways for everyone to move around without overexerting themselves.

Don't forget about family members who can't be there in person. You can use video calls to include them in the fun and share live updates during the event. Sharing photos afterward through a family group chat or social media can help everyone feel part of the gathering, even from afar.

Foster Meaningful Connections During Gatherings

Storytelling is a fantastic way to bring generations together during family events. Set up a special area where older relatives can share family stories or show old photos from their pasts. These moments create lasting memories and help younger family members learn about their heritage in a fun way.

Try pairing up younger and older family members for activities like cooking together or working on a puzzle. A grandchild could help a grandparent with technology or vice versa, leading to new friendships and understanding between generations.

Encourage older relatives to share their favorite recipes or hobbies with younger ones during the event. This not only keeps them engaged but also allows them to pass down valuable skills and traditions that strengthen family bonds.

Use family events as opportunities to celebrate important milestones together as well. Recognize birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements of family members of all ages during your gathering. Starting a tradition of celebrating these moments as a family gives everyone something special to look forward to throughout the year.

Create Lasting Memories Together

Planning family events that include your elderly relatives takes some extra thought, but it's well worth the effort. Remember, these events are about more than just having fun. They're chances to strengthen family bonds across generations.

If you're looking for a community that understands the importance of including seniors in family life, consider DeWolfe Place Assisted Living. Our community offers a warm environment where elderly relatives can feel at home while still being part of family events. Schedule a tour to see how we support seniors and help families stay connected.