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How to Help Mom Feel Loved for Valentine's Day

By Ben Cornu

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it, so it's a good idea to put some thought and creativity into what you do for your aging mom to show her how much you love her. Moms who are seniors are especially vulnerable to feeling left out when it comes to this holiday celebration unless her loved ones make an effort to do something special for her on Valentine's Day.

Struggles of Loneliness

Valentine’s Day can quickly become a trigger for past disappointment or negative thoughts related to interpersonal situations. Both of these emotions are predictors of loneliness. Single seniors are especially susceptible to loneliness around the holiday and may feel forgotten. The weight and sorrow of being a widow can often hit hard on Valentine’s Day as seniors may think about their lost loved ones and past traditions.

Ideas for Helping Mom Feel Loved

That’s why it’s so important for family members to help these seniors feel love and cared for. A simple gesture or gift can make all the difference in how a senior loved one experience Valentine’s Day. However, most senior loved ones have everything they need or want, including jewelry, clothing, or decorations, making it tricky to come up with a gift to celebrate the day of love.

We recommend focusing on experiences that you and your loved ones can share and remember for years to come.

Creative Activities to Do Together

If you live near your loved one, then you can spend time on Valentine’s Day doing activities together. Here are some creative activities that you and your mom might enjoy:

  • Give your mom a day of pampering at the spa or getting pedicures together.
  • Take your mom shopping and together look for a new fragrance or trendy clothing.
  • Attend an activity together, like a painting or crafts class.
  • Go to the movies.
  • Plan a tea party and dress up to make the activity feel fancy.
  • Help your mom pick out a knockout lipstick shade and get dressed up for the evening.
  • Visit a nearby art museum or explore a botanical garden.
  • Plan a surprise party and invite your neighbors and friends to join you.
  • Decorate your mom’s home with Valentine’s Day decorations to brighten the atmosphere.

Long-Distance Activities

Even if you aren’t able to be with your mom on Valentine’s Day, you can still help her enjoy the day with thoughtful activities and kind words from you and your family. Here are some thoughtful long-distance gift ideas.

  • Have flowers, fruit arrangements, or cookies delivered to your mother’s home with a personalized message.
  • Sign your mom up for a local activity with other seniors on Valentine’s Day. Their company can help your mom feel included.
  • Encourage your mom to volunteer. There's no more rewarding way to get out of your head than to reach out to help someone else.
  • Host a video chat with your mom. Being able to talk over the video chat is more personal and often more meaningful than a quick text or even a call.
  • Help her attend to her needs from afar. Hire a caregiver to help take care of cleaning, cooking, laundry, or other needs at home. This gesture can also give you peace of mind to know that your mother is being cared for.
  • Talk with your mom about past Valentine’s Days. Reminiscing can help seniors relieve feelings of loneliness.
  • Create a video before Valentine’s Day with your family. Send the video to your mom on Valentine’s Day to let her know you are thinking about her.

Regardless of what you choose to do for your mother on Valentine’s Day, we hope that you and your loved ones can share quality experiences and express your kind feelings toward one another. Here's to a happy and love-filled Valentine's Day this year.

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Tags: Senior Living