WEDNESDAY, Nov. 24 (HealthDayNews) -- In all the excitement of the holidays, families can overlook the fact that the more frail and elderly among them are no longer able to take part in traditional holiday tasks, such as decorating or cooking.

"The holidays are a time when families come together to celebrate. However, there comes a time when older adults may not be able to do all the things they once could," David Haber, associated director of Ball State University's John and Janice Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology, said in a prepared statement. "At this point, family members and friends can find ways to include older adults in these traditions or when starting new ones," Haber said.

It's not hard to do. Haber offers the following advice on how you can make the holidays more enjoyable for older family members and friends:

• Invite older adults to the majority of your events. Their level of participation will depend on their physical abilities.
• Stay in touch with older adults by encouraging them to use e-mail and instant messaging.
• Consider the nutritional and exercise needs of older adults when you're planning holiday dinners and other activities.
• Ask older adults for their input when you plan activities.
• Keep up-to-date on the latest information about seniors' health issues.
• If an older family member has to leave their home, consider nursing homes that embrace the Eden Alternative. These facilities foster a family atmosphere that includes pets, plants and children.

Haber also said that families should include older relatives in family events and activities throughout the year.

"You can't wait until the holiday season to make an older adult feel part of the family. A year-round effort will make the holiday season more satisfying regardless of circumstances or whether family can get together," Haber said.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these healthy habits for older adults.