When Is National Senior Citizens Day and Why It Matters

Has the senior in your life been looking lonely? Do they appear sad or unengaged in activities they used to love?

Seniors may feel undervalued in their golden years. While retirement and the lack of children to raise can be freeing, they can also lead to a reduced sense of purpose for seniors in Loveland, CO.

When is National Senior Citizens Day? It is a great way to honor the elderly loved ones in your life and give them a renewed sense of purpose. Read on to learn more about this unique holiday.

When Is National Senior Citizens Day?

National Senior Citizens Day is on August 21, the heart of summer. It's a day that celebrates and honors senior citizens and their contributions to society.

How to Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day

Even if you've never heard of National Senior Citizens Day, plenty of activities exist for your elderly loved one. Here are some ways that you can focus on honoring older adults during a senior recognition day.

Learn About Senior Safety

The CDC reports that one in four older adults falls every year; in fact, falls are the most prevalent cause of injury for folks aged 65 and older.

Senior safety in Loveland, CO, is paramount for a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. It's important to understand how you can protect your senior loved one with precautions and accommodations that enhance safety in their home.

Grab Bars

Consider features such as grab bars to help with fall prevention and to bolster independence. They are easy to install and can also be modified according to your loved one's needs.

Ask your elderly parent or loved one where they struggle the most when doing independent tasks. Some of the most common assistance areas include:

The toilet
The shower
Next to the bed

Medical Alert Devices

You may have seen the familiar TV commercials with the slogan, "I've fallen and I can't get up!"

Medical alert devices are a relatively modern invention, but they have made a hugely positive impact on senior safety. Consider obtaining a medical alert device for your loved one and advocating for affordability so the devices are more accessible for other seniors.

Prepare a Family Meal

A family meal is a great way to strengthen the bond between generations. Food unites families, especially when recreating a traditional recipe or creating a new dish.

If cooking together is not possible, consider sharing a meal. At Stoneridge at Centerra, our Elevate® Dining program offers restaurant-style meals to our residents.

Learn About Family History

Passing knowledge down through generations is the best way to preserve family tradition. As family members age, it's vital to document family history to prevent fading over time.

For seniors in memory care, any memories conveyed are precious. As dementia advances, it is more difficult for patients to remember important moments with their loved ones, either in the past or the present.

Ask your loved one for any documents or photographs. If you have access to these types of items, bring them with you to jog their memory and prompt storytelling and sharing.

One activity you can do together is to make a family tree. It can be as simple as using a website such as Ancestry or turning it into a craft project and making it by hand. Giving your loved one the reins to dictate and pass on family history allows for aging with dignity.

Make a Heartfelt Gift

Honoring older adults can be as simple as a handmade gift. Bring your elderly loved ones together with their children or grandchildren to craft one together.

Some fun gift ideas include:

A collage
A watercolor painting
Handmade pottery
Drawings
Preserved flowers
A framed photograph

For additional memory care support, consider a gift that gives your loved one pertinent reminders of the important people in their life. Such items can be linked to powerful memories and foster positive emotions.

Spend Some Time Outdoors

Colorado summers bring warmer temperatures, the perfect time to escape outdoors before the weather cools down in autumn. For seniors who may spend significant time indoors, outdoor activities are even more important for their mental and physical well-being.

Here are some enjoyable outdoor activities to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day with your aging loved one:

Take a Hike: Colorado is known for its stunning hiking trails, and there are many options that are easy for all age groups and abilities.
Have a Picnic: Bring a beautiful summer picnic to a local green area or park and have a meal with your family.
Do Some Shopping: Spend an afternoon window shopping or buying some meaningful gifts for your loved one at a nearby mall or shopping center.
Admire Outdoor Areas: Step outside at Stoneridge at Centerra to enjoy the stunning outdoor spaces with your loved one.

Volunteer Together

Few things are as fulfilling as giving back. Volunteering with a local organization that supports causes your family is passionate about is a great way to spend your time and celebrate the senior in your life.

If you're new to volunteering, look up organizations in the Loveland area that pique your interest. You may need to take preliminary steps before being approved to volunteer, such as:

Filling out an application
Undergoing a background check
Listing relevant references
Citing previous volunteer and work experience

Celebrate Seniors All Year Long at Stoneridge at Centerra

So, when is National Senior Citizens Day? While this special holiday is all about honoring older adults, you do not have to only celebrate on August 21. By putting in the time and effort, you can transform every day into a senior recognition day for your loved one.

At Stoneridge at Centerra, we uplift and honor our residents every single day. With assisted living and memory care support options, our community provides seniors with a stunning location to call home. Amenities for residents to enjoy include resort-style spaces, a salon and spa, and restaurant-style dining, all contributing to a fulfilling lifestyle.

Are you ready to make the transition to an assisted living community in Loveland, CO? Reach out to us today to learn more, or take a look at some of our testimonials from residents. We can't wait to hear from you!