The document discusses planning activities to share with older family members or seniors. It recommends tailoring activities to an individual senior's abilities and preferences by asking for their input on ideas like sharing a meal, attending an event, or visiting a museum. The planning process should remain flexible based on the senior's needs and focus on quality time together rather than any specific activity. Spending time in fun activities contributes to seniors' happiness and helps combat loneliness as they age.

2. Many families take advantage of the arrival of a new year to
plan fun activities. Older people sometimes lack the stamina
to participate fully in recreational past-times everyone
enjoyed during previous years, but they still appreciate
inclusion. Numerous leisure events permit younger people
and seniors to share valuable time.
In deciding upon shared activities, it makes sense to gear
your plans towards an older person's circumstances. For
instance, if a senior tires easily or suffers from stress, opt for
shorter visits in quiet settings. It also proves helpful to
remain flexible in your scheduling, so that you can either cut
an activity period short if an older person appears exhausted
or extend your time together if the senior makes that
request.

3. Probably the easiest way to begin
arranging for some shared fun activities
involves meeting with the older person
to request their input. Some seniors
will produce a list of activities they
would like to undertake. If they can't
think of anything immediately, question
them gently about their preferences.
You might consider some of these
ideas:

4.  Would you like to share a meal?
 How about going to see a film?
 Would you enjoy attending a party?
 Do you feel able to attend arts and crafts classes?
 Would you like to attend religious services
together?
 Would you like to spend some time visiting a
museum or art gallery?

5. By tailoring your suggestions towards activities
an older person enjoys, you can then proceed to
make definite plans. For instance, the senior
may want to eat at a specific restaurant or may
wish to spend time visiting a particular garden
or cultural exhibit.
During the planning process, always remain
patient. Many older people suffer memory
lapses. Seniors usually appreciate having fun
activities written down on an appointment
calendar or schedule planner.

6. The ability to spend quality time together,
rather than the specific activity itself, should
remain the focus for planning. For example, you
may discover that an older person at the last
minute fears venturing outdoors in bad
weather. In that situation, by remaining flexible
and spending your time doing alternate
activities together, such as chatting or watching
videos at home, you'll still enjoy memorable
happy shared moments.

7. Many seniors suffer from profound loneliness.
As people age, they tend to lose role models,
loved ones, friends and acquaintances over the
course of years. They also sometimes suffer
devastating losses of independence.
By spending high quality time with older
people, families reassure seniors emotionally.
Time spend sharing fun activities contribute to
the happiness of many elderly people on
several levels.

8. Address: Preston Center 6029 Berkshire Lane,
Dallas, TX 75225
Phone: 214-363-3400
Website: http://www.dallashomecareassistance.com