National Senior Citizens Day is a wonderful chance to celebrate the wisdom and achievements senior citizens have made as well as advocate for the rights of older people around the world. In 1988, Ronald Reagan declared a day of observance to “honor senior citizens in the US who made positive contributions in their communities, bring awareness of social, health, and economic issues that affect senior citizens.” Of course everyday of the year is a wonderful day to honor and advocate for seniors, but sometimes it is nice to have a special day set aside to focus on family legacy and intergenerational contact. Here are just a few ways you can engage with your family to build connections and create long-lasting memories:
Watch old home videos or create new ones. Dust off those VHS tapes and enjoy watching old family videos together. It may be a good time to think about digitizing those memories for your loved ones so they can be enjoyed for years to come. Some of the best family treasures are filmed interviews with grandmas and grandpas in their later years. Take time to come up with questions you’ve always wanted to hear straight from the mouth of the special senior in your life and enjoy learning about their many triumphs, trials, and maybe even some secrets! These recorded interviews will serve as precious keepsakes to be shared with posterity for years to come.
Share a skill or knowledge. Take this opportunity to have a one-on-one lesson together learning something you’ve always wanted to know. Maybe it's those special molasses cookies that only grandma knows how to make, or maybe it's those special whittled sculptures that grandpa does just right. You can sit together and learn genealogy, knitting or sewing, crafting or discussing books.
Connect. If you don’t live close enough to hug, make eye contact, and be together physically, there are lots of ways you can connect with your favorite senior this month. Sending a card, talking together on the phone, or for the tech-savvy seniors, you can Skype or FaceTime. Finding ways to connect with each other will strengthen those familial bonds that tie us together no matter the distance.
Check-in. Make time to ensure that your favorite senior is well taken care of. Drop in unexpectedly for special surprises, a fun outing, and to genuinely make sure they are okay and their needs are met. Talk to them about their doctor’s visits, help them with any concerns about driving or safety. Let them know you care and you are there for them when they need you.
Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day by doing little, meaningful things together. It is a great time to reflect on friendships, family, health, and community. You may feel so uplifted that you just might want everyday to be national senior citizens day!
