Senior Living in Nebraska

Planning Thanksgiving Celebrations in Senior Living in Nebraska

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The Thanksgiving celebration becomes more special if spent with family and friends. Senior family members are life’s blessings that we need to celebrate. Loved ones in senior living in Nebraska should be part of the yearly tradition even if they cannot travel. Visit your loved ones in senior housing, gather around the table, enjoy favorite family meals, share life updates, and give thanks for all the blessings.

What Thanksgiving is All About

Thanksgiving is a famous American holiday that is all about family and gratitude. It is an annual holiday with a history dating back to the 17th century.

According to history, before Americans enjoyed the feast that comes with Thanksgiving, it was originally observed to commemorate the colonial pilgrims’ harvest meal in 1621. Various reasons for gratitude were celebrated in subsequent years. However, the first official designated Thanksgiving Day was in 1789. On September 28, 1863, then-President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Modern Thanksgiving Day is a time for families to gather over a traditional Thanksgiving meal: roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.  But more than the food, Thanksgiving is mainly a day to reflect on the small and big blessings received the entire year. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging the present blessings and what’s about to come. It is a day of reminder to be content and thankful.

Thanksgiving is also a day to give back to the community: senior living in Nebraska facilities, charities and organizations, and the less privileged. It is a time to donate time, resources, kindness, and compassion. Thanksgiving is about creating a more positive and meaningful celebration.

Celebrating in Senior Living in Nebraska

Here are simple yet meaningful ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Family Thanksgiving Meal

Lunch or dinner won’t matter if everyone is willing to spend time with the family. If everyone is too busy to cook your favorite meals, you can dine at your favorite restaurant nearby or order food to enjoy in senior living in Nebraska.

Keep Family Traditions

Ask senior family members how they’d like to celebrate this year’s Thanksgiving like they used to when they were younger. Ask family members to share their time in the planning and preparation.

Volunteer

Show your gratitude by volunteering. If you have the time or resources, visit institutions that need volunteer work or funds to further their mission and efforts.

Community Events

Attend community events together to meet new people and probably see familiar faces. Reminisce the good old days of previous Thanksgiving celebrations.

Thanksgiving is about being grateful and content with what you have. This year and in the years to come, it should be a memorable day for everyone, near or far. If distance does not permit, use technology to stay in touch with loved ones. Regardless of how you want to celebrate Thanksgiving, it should be centered on gratitude and everything you are thankful for.

Click here to learn about Oxbow Living!

Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead

Activities for Celebrating Get Outdoors Week in Assisted Living Ashland

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The tremendous benefits of spending time outdoors include physical wellness and emotional and mental health. Getting outdoors is an excellent opportunity for senior adults in assisted living Ashland to reconnect with nature and stay physically and socially engaged. For senior assisted living residents, Get Outdoors Week is a good start to staying active. Start with outdoor activities you love to do or something within your physical capability. Whatever it is, find something that will keep you physically occupied, fun, and beneficial.

The Importance of Fresh Air as We Age

As people age, it becomes more important to be more health conscious. In addition to balanced meals, regular exercise, and a positive mindset, getting fresh air is also known to help boost the immune system. Regular exposure to nature and fresh air can immensely benefit senior adults, improving lung function, energy levels, moods, and digestion. When feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, fresh air has a calming effect.

A regular trip outside is also known to stimulate the production of natural Vitamin D necessary to maintain healthy bones, manage calcium levels, help in glucose metabolism, and support the immune system. According to research, sunlight reduces the risk of cancer and multiple sclerosis.

In addition, moving around while outside for fresh air helps maintain balance and coordination. Even seniors in assisted living Ashland with limited physical movements can still burn calories and strengthen muscles and lungs. Being in nature also helps improve memory and the mind to be more alert. Spending time outdoors helps reduce depression, anxiety, and stress. The natural beauty of nature can lighten the mood. Fresh air relaxes the body and mind while building endurance. It gives seniors much-needed nature time to enjoy the world away from distractions.

Activities for Get Outdoors Week in Assisted Living Ashland

Being a senior should not stop you from enjoying the outdoors, touching the flowers, enjoying the sunshine, and a constant change of scenery.

Get your body moving with these suggested outdoor activities. Sweat it out, boost your mood, and keep your overall being in top shape.

  • A leisurely walk in the park, a visit to a local farmer’s market, a museum visit, or attending a local event is a light yet enjoyable way to get some fresh air. It is also a great opportunity to meet people, socialize, and people-watch.
  • Invite family and friends to picnic in your favorite park or scenic spot.
  • Gardening gets your body moving while you do what you love. You can plant your favorite blooms or grow vegetables.
  • Fishing does not require much physical movement. Find a fishing spot, cast your fishing rod, and wait for your catch.
  • Bird watching is another outdoor activity for seniors with limited physical capability. It’s also a great choice of activity for seniors who love to stay away from the crowd.

No matter where you go or what you do, stepping outside the door, soaking up the sun, and taking in the fresh air brings happiness and improves health and overall well-being.

Learn more about Oxbow Living by clicking here!

Oxbow Living offers Assisted Living & Memory Care out of Nebraska and to the Surrounding Cities: Ashland, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Elmwood, Ithaca, Mead