An estimated 54 million Americans are aged 65 and over – a figure projected to surpass 85 million by 2050. Representing roughly 16.5% of the total US population, older adults are an essential part of our daily lives, while serving as parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends. August 21st is National Senior Citizens Day, making it the perfect time to show that special senior in your life just how much they mean to you. What follows are some creative ways to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day together this year.
Make Time to Visit
Social interaction is essential for one’s health and wellbeing at any age, notably for those aged 65+. Spending one-of-one quality time with your elderly loved one is the gift that keeps on giving all year long. Plan an in-person visit with your senior, during which you can share some laughs and create lasting memories that they will cherish and remember long after you leave.
If you can’t physically be there that day, call your loved one on the phone so you can tell them how much their efforts and achievements are valued and appreciated.
Visit Local Nursing Homes
Not all seniors are fortunate enough to have caring family members nearby, including many living in nursing and retirement homes. Visiting a local nursing home or assisted living community can seriously brighten a senior’s day and positively impact their health.
Although they may feel lost and forgotten, having someone younger come by to talk and listen will make elderly residents feel valued and cared for once more. Make the day even more special by passing out homemade treats or greeting cards.
Get Them Out of the House
Just because your loved one is older doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten how to have fun. Spend an afternoon together enjoying an outdoor activity like fruit picking, attending an outdoor concert, taking a nature walk at the local park, or sharing a delicious picnic while bathed in the warm summer sun. Better yet, capture the day’s events by taking pictures that you then develop and arrange with your loved one in a photo album!
Lend a Helping Hand
As the average person grows older, it becomes harder for them to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) around the home. National Senior Citizens Day is the perfect time to show your aging loved one acts of kindness. Spend the day weeding your senior’s flower beds, cleaning out their garage or attic, or cooking them their favorite foods.
Walk Down Memory Lane
We all know how much older adults like to talk. Whether it’s reminiscing about “the good old days” or catching up with the latest news in the lives of their children and grandchildren, talking creates lasting bonds for seniors. When yours starts to speak, do them a favor and listen attentively. If your loved one is dealing with dementia, pull out some old photos to spark their memory and then watch their face light up!
Tell Them How You Feel
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day with your elder is by sharing words of affirmation. Tell them in no uncertain terms how much they mean to you, and why you feel that way. Show them your gratitude and appreciation by bringing them a special gift and card, complete with personal comments that make that special senior in your life feel blessed and rich with love.
An Extended Family in Your Loved One’s Home
Spending quality time with an aging loved one isn’t always possible with everything else on your plate. When you need assistance, contact us. We are a fully licensed and insured home care provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing that your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate caregivers can perform duties like light housekeeping, personal care, dementia care, companionship care, medication reminders, and even live-in and 24-hour care.
Our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit us online now to learn more about us or schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.
