How to Observe Senior Citizens Day

Did you know that August 21st is Senior Citizen’s Day? Established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, this day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for the dedication, accomplishments, and services of senior citizens. The day also serves as a reminder to support senior citizens in living their lives fully and independently. The team from our senior living community in Newton, NJ has put together a few ways to show appreciation to the special senior citizens in your life today and every day.

#1 – Spend quality time together

Spend quality time with the seniors in your life, whether they’re a parent, relative, family friend, or even a neighbor. Let them know that they are appreciated and loved and that you’re there for them, no matter what. If you live far away, you can send cards and gifts, plan a family video call, or a simple phone call.

#2 – Learn a new skill

Seniors have so much experience to share and can become the perfect mentor for you or your child! Spend some time with seniors in your community learning to knit, quilt, make jam, bake, or anything you’d like to learn together. This is a wonderful way of showing seniors that they are valued and have a purpose in our community, and you’ll be preserving useful skills and knowledge to pass onto the next generation.

#3 – Share your skills and passions

Work with senior networks in your community to set up an event for seniors in your area if you have a skill you’d love to share. Get local music students to set up a little concert, teach a fun painting or craft lesson, set up a storytelling session for seniors with dementia, or host a talent show. Sharing your skills is a great way to give back to the seniors in your community and the entertainment and interaction are sure to be appreciated!

#4 – Share your time

You can also volunteer your time for local seniors who need a little extra help, whether you spend time being a companion at local continuing care retirement communities or help out a neighbor. This is a great way to celebrate senior citizens by giving back because anyone can do it – even kids! You can do a grocery run, bake something special, perform handyman tasks, do garden maintenance, play a game of chess, or make nutritious dinners – anything you like!

#5 – Reminisce together about their past

Take the time to find out about the interesting times your senior loved one has lived through – you’ll be amazed at the rich and fascinating stories you’ll hear! Get your family together to learn about your family history, share a lovely meal and settle into the past. You can also watch their favorite movies growing up, recreate favorite treats, or even drive around the neighborhood they grew up in and talk about what’s changed vs. what’s stayed the same.

Abundant living for seniors in New Jersey

UMC at Bristol Glen is one of the leading continuing care retirement communities in NJ. We offer a beautiful and welcoming space for seniors, whether you have just retired or are looking for additional care. We also offer a wonderful program for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia called Tapestries Memory Care. Tapestries provide tailored support to seniors with memory challenges. Our experienced associates work tirelessly to meet the social, medical, and wellness needs of every resident, to promote a happy and abundant life. 

For more information on Bristol Glen, our senior care services, and how we support independent style living for seniors in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/