Some advice is so nice, it’s worth hearing twice. This year we are revisiting healthy holiday ideas from our Leonard Davis School faculty members. With suggestions on what gifts to give caregivers, how to have a healthy holiday meal, and why you should call a friend this time of year, their timeless recommendations are a gift that keeps giving.
Don’t forget to care for caregivers. Gift ideas can include tangible items like dress shirts for men that can open in the back to help with bathing or sensory activities like puzzles, says Francesca Falzarano, Assistant Professor of Gerontology. But Falzarano says it is equally important to give them support as well. “Let them know that you’re there that you’re thinking about them and acknowledge that it’s hard.”
She also stresses the need for caregivers to gift themselves some sort of self-care as well.
“Something that just makes the experience a little bit easier for you to give yourself a break, to let go of expectations, and to be as flexible as you can with yourself because the most important thing is that as caregivers we take care of ourselves so we can be better for the persons that we care for.”
“Thanksgiving isn’t a time to be counting calories,” says Cary Kreutzer, Instructional Professor of Clinical Gerontology and Pediatrics & Director of the Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity Program at the USC Leonard Davis School. Kreutzer recommends savoring special family foods instead of loading up on chips and snacks.
She also reminds us that delicious Thanksgiving leftovers can provide an incentive not to overeat and that holidays are a time for healthy traditions too.
“Having a walk after dinner some families go to the park and play football having some type of physical activity after a large meal can be very health promoting also.”
‘Tis the season of togetherness and including someone in your celebration just might be the most valuable gift of all. “That might be to friends we haven’t spoken to in a while. It might be to people that don’t have family in this country,” says USC Leonard Davis School Instructional Professor Paul Nash.
“We know that over 50% of Americans feel lonely and nearly 60% of Americans don’t have a best friend or confidant so at this time more than any other time it’s more important to reach out that might be to friends we haven’t spoken to in a while,” he said. “Open up a table maybe just a kind word…connectivity is key to health, key to well-being, and key to life satisfaction.”
