5 things you can do to celebrate Senior Citizen’s Day
Such is the cycle of life that one must spend the initial years depending on others to fulfill their needs. Over time, they become independent and take on self-responsibility. Once, they reach the twilight of their lives, their physical strength decreases. This leads to the loss of confidence and that is associated with a sense of dependency and despair. The global statistics on the occurrence of depression amongst senior citizens is a testimony to this fact.
It is in recognition of this, US President declared 21st August as Senior Citizen Day. That was in 1988. Today, more than three decades later, it has become all the way more popular. Thus, irrespective of whether you are a senior citizen yourself or you are looking forward to celebrating this with some special senior citizen in your life, here are 5 things you can do on this special day. If you are celebrating this day in honour of the senior citizens in old age homes or the ones whose children do not live close to them, all the tips discussed here will still be helpful for you.
1. Encourage senior citizens to learn something new
It has been medically proven that slow cognitive loss (that often from dementia and other similar conditions) can be tackled with learning. If you are a senior citizen, set a goal for yourself about learning something new within a deadline. This may be a new hobby such as painting and gardening. It can also be a life skill such as swimming and cooking. You may even choose to join an evening college or online classes to learn about the audit, finance, IT or any subject of your choice. If you are not tech-savvy, you can take that as a challenge and set a goal of mastering the gadgets of modern days. For someone who isn’t a senior citizen, one of the most fruitful ways of celebrating this day would be to impart some skill set or knowledge to your elders. Remember, you are your present self because of the knowledge imparted to you by that generation and now it is your turn to give back.
2. Host a party at home
While most towns and cities have events for senior citizens on this special day, it might not always be possible for you to travel all the way. However, this does not mean that you must spend the day brooding. You can always plan your day and invite friends over. It is okay if you are unable to serve food. Arrange refreshments and encourage your guests to bring something and enjoy a pot luck lunch or dinner. If you are not a senior citizen, it will be a good idea to invite some senior citizens over to your place for lunch. Involving them in your life will take them back to their younger and busier days and that will go a long way in cheering them up. It does not have to be an elaborate banquet. A simple brunch in a homely setup that encourages conversation would work just as fine.
3. Visiting a nursing home or an old age home
If you are a senior citizen, you must visit such places occasionally and what better day to do it other than Senior Citizen Day. This will make you realize that there are others more deprived than you and give you a positive outlook on life. If you can help those people in any way (be it monetarily or by spending quality time with them), you will feel so much better about yourself.
Similarly, if you are younger, you must realize that helping elderly family members is not enough. You should try to take time out of your schedule (no matter how packed that is) and visit an old age home. If you cannot afford to do that every day, at least do it on special days like 21st August.
4. Start a family history project
The elderly members of a family are the ones who know the most about its history and heritage. If you are a senior citizen, try to get down to documenting the same. This will help you to leave a legacy for the next generation. Start by arranging old photographs, letters, and family heirlooms. Make proper notes and keep your documentation clear. By going through these, you will be transported back to the good old days and that will give you an optimistic take on life. If you are someone from the younger generations, try to spend this day with the elderly and get to know about their parents and grandparents. Not only will that improve your outlook of life, but it will also have a positive impact on the relationship you share with them.
5. Sponsor a medical check-up
The quality of living for the elderly would improve considerably if only all ailments were diagnosed in time. In the case of many senior citizens, we do not see it happening. At times it is due to the lack of funds. Other times, this may be because there is no one to take them to the clinic or simply because they have given up on life. You can do your bit this Senior Citizen Day by sponsoring the full body medical check-up of a few senior citizens and ensuring that they have somebody to accompany them to the clinic. If you are a senior citizen yourself, enroll in a complete medical check-up this 21st of August. At this age, this is one of the most crucial factors in maintaining good health. Also, remember that taking care of your health is something that you owe yourself and your loved ones.
The tips discussed above may seem simple to you. However, you will be amazed to see the difference these make in the lives of senior citizens. Today, the 21st of August is their day. Let us give it to them!
