Behavior Science Behind Tradition

The holidays are often filled with new decorations, new foods, and new faces. For older adults, though, it’s often the oldtraditions that hold the most meaning. Familiar routines, songs, recipes, and rituals aren’t just sentimental—they play an important role in maintaining comfort, predictability, and emotional connection.

As people age, change can feel overwhelming. Familiar traditions act as discriminative stimuli (SDs), or signals that predict positive experiences and help orient behavior in a world that may feel less predictable. A certain song, the smell of a favorite dish, or a specific time of day for lighting candles can cue powerful memories that strengthen belonging and joy.

Why Familiarity Matters

When the environment becomes unpredictable, older adults may withdraw, show signs of frustration, or experience anxiety. Keeping recognizable elements in place provides a sense of control and security. Predictable cues support engagement, reduce confusion, and encourage social interaction.

Even simple traditions such as using the same decorations each year, baking the same cookies, or watching a favorite holiday movie can provide stability and comfort. They remind older adults where they are, who they are with, and what time of year it is.

How to Maintain Traditions Without Overwhelm

Families often want to introduce new experiences, but too much novelty can compete with the comfort of routine. You don’t need to recreate the past perfectly; focus on preserving the signals that matter most.

Try keeping familiar sensory cues such as the same scents, songs, or recipes. Maintain rituals in a predictable order, such as decorating before dinner or opening gifts after dessert. Include older adults in planning and preparation, and ask about their favorite traditions or memories. Avoid rushed transitions or loud environments that may feel disorienting.

Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity. It means protecting the cues that make the season feel safe, connected, and meaningful.

Old traditions do more than spark nostalgia. They provide structure and familiarity that help seniors stay grounded and emotionally connected. This season, focus less on creating something new and more on carrying forward the moments that have always mattered most.

Here’s to fewer battles and more breakthroughs.
Jacqueline Shackil, BCBA, MS, MSIO