Seniors and the Importance of Celebrating Festivals in a Community

A festival is a reflection of a culture, tradition and the very lifestyle of a particular society or community. It’s an expression to celebrate the heritage while exploring one’s roots in the history books. All the festivals we celebrate are dated back to hundreds of years; some are more than thousands of years. But the spirit of any festival is same - pass on the past glory or a legend to the next generation.

Besides the tradition and culture, there is another side of festivals. It’s spreading joy, cheerfulness and celebration. When you observe it, festivals bring a certain kind of joyous vibe into every household and society. The sense of rejoice and celebratory mood occupies the day to day lives of people, even before a week or two from the date of the festival.

Even though most festivals are religious affairs and different from each other, the joy, celebration, and the cheerfulness they bring are the same! But what if you have to celebrate these festivals all by yourself? I mean alone? The thought itself is demotivating but there are thousands of seniors who are all alone during the festival season.

Pandemic, relationship downfalls, inability to travel, children living abroad - the reasons can be many! Whatever the reason, they should not keep you away from the joy of celebrating your favorite festival.

Stay with us until the end of the blog to learn why it is important for seniors to celebrate the festivals with family friends or even with their community. We also discuss festival spirit, games for seniors, fun activities for seniors, and good foods for seniors. Now, let’s get started.

Why is celebrating festivals important for seniors?

Giving the much-needed break from the monotonous life, festivals stir human emotions, enhance bonding, and rejuvenate one’s lives. It is absolutely fine if you are a senior who wants to celebrate the festivals all by yourself or with your spouse. But like they say, joy or happiness doubles up when you share it with others. Not necessarily a family member but anyone in general.

What are the ways festival spirit enriches a senior’s life?

Festivals teach some of the most important lessons of life. Most festivals are celebrated as a triumph of good over bad (Diwali, and Dussehra), some are as a sign of new beginnings (Christmas and Hanukkah) and some to express the value of human bondings (Raksha Bandhan).

Whatever the festival, as a senior, you have every reason to celebrate the festive season to its fullest. Here are some fun ways to go about it.

• Fun activities for seniors - Festivals are all about fun and games. You should participate in your society or community’s festival celebrations. If not as a competitor in an activity, you can witness the joy just by being there. Indoor games, board games, even freeze dance are some activities that require very less physical activity. If you have a heart for it, just go for it.
• Satisfy your tastebuds - Festivals are not all about fun and games. In fact, they are incomplete without the mention of good food. Savor yourself with a piece or two of your traditional sweet or snack. The best part of traditional foods is that they are way better than the regular sweets and snacks which make them good foods for seniors.
• Light it up with music - We all remember the Sanskrit slokas our mom’s used to play during the dawn of the festival day. Traditional music, and dance are an integral part of festival activities. Light up your mood by playing your favorite music. It enhances your mood and helps you embrace the spirit of festivals.

What are the ways festivals are celebrated in assisted living facilities?

The festival activities in assisted living facilities deserve a special mention, in fact, appreciation. The amount of attention to the detail and effort these communities take in order to make their residents’ faces bright and all smiles is phenomenal.

The preparations for festivities start at least a week before at these senior living communities. Reflecting the traditions and culture, the decorations make seniors go nostalgic while putting a broad smile on their face. The traditional food in the menu fulfills the appetite duties with a hint of humbleness.

Starting from the stimulating music sessions to activities that rejuvenate the seniors from the core, these modern retirement homes give seniors every reason to be a part of the celebration. Most importantly, no senior will be left behind and there is no room for feeling lonely or demotivated during the festival season.

Can you find such assisted living facilities in Chennai?

Yes, you can! Giving every reason for seniors to celebrate their life, not just festivals, Athulya Assisted Living in Chennai is available in all the prime locations of Chennai. Check our website for more!