It used to be customary for families and friends to gather after Sunday church services and enjoy a meal. While children played together, some adults gathered in the kitchen to prepare the meal, and others gathered in a living area to play games, watch a game, and chat.
January’s National Sunday Supper Month is an excellent time to look at the benefits of dining together. You may only eat together on major holidays now. Learn about the benefits of dining together.
Family Dinners Improve Health
Your parents may feel lonely as they age. Their friends move to new states for a lower cost of living or to live near grandchildren. Their neighbors work a lot, so they don’t know them. They’re home alone every day and don’t often have others to converse with.
The Massachusetts General Hospital’s Psychiatry Academy created The Family Dinner Project to look at the benefits of dining as a family. It’s found that families who regularly engage in family dinners enjoy benefits like lower rates of depression, better self-esteem, and less loneliness.
Another benefit to eating a family meal is that your parents may eat more. With a homecooked meal, there are healthier options on the table. Your parents may eat more vegetables and fruits. They’re not going to focus their meal on takeout meals or frozen dinners that can be higher in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar.
Your Children Learn About Their Grandparents
During a Sunday supper, your children have the chance to hear their grandparents’ stories. They’ll learn more about their family history. While it may not seem important to them now, they’ll be able to recall these stories years from now, which will mean a lot.
You could look into card games your parents and kids can play together that inspire conversations. Table Topics is an example. Players draw a card and go around the table answering it. Questions include topics like picking three wishes or describing your favorite recess activity.
What If You Don’t Live Nearby?
Not every family can gather for meals. What happens if you live in another state or country? What are your options when you can’t dine with your mom and dad?
Have you looked into home care? Talk to an expert and ask about companionship services. Instead of dining alone, your parents have a caregiver with them. They have company as often as they want it.
Caregivers can take your parents to stores and area attractions. They can join your parents on a walk in the park. Most importantly, they can stop by and make sure your parents have the opportunity to socialize. Call a home care agency to get started.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in South Boston, VA please contact the caring staff at Passion Home Health Solutions LLC today at. 703-462-9141
Sources:
- What are the Most Common Speech Disorders in Adults? - October 25, 2023
- World Mental Health Day: The Importance of Support for Older Adults with Depression - October 9, 2023
- How Home Health Care Helps Seniors With Alzheimer’s - September 20, 2023
