National Senior Citizens Day, celebrated on August 21, is a special day dedicated to appreciating the wisdom, achievements, and contributions of the seniors in our lives. Celebrating senior wellness and happiness brings joy and fulfillment, strengthens intergenerational bonds, and encourages kindness within our communities.
If you want to do your part in making the world a little brighter, keep reading for ten meaningful ways to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day in your community.
1. Volunteer at a nursing home or assisted living center.
Spending time with seniors in nursing homes or assisted living centers brightens their day – and yours! Here are some ways senior companionship can build intergenerational bonds:
- Spend quality time: Sit with residents, listen to their stories, and engage in conversations. Many seniors experience loneliness, and these social visits can provide them with much-needed senior companionship and emotional support.
- Organize activities: Help organize arts and crafts sessions, music and dance events, book readings, or game nights. These events are a great way to promote senior wellness by spreading joy and laughter.
- Provide entertainment: If you have a talent or hobby, put on a small performance. Play a musical instrument, perform a magic show, sing, or host a trivia quiz to add excitement to their day.
- Support staff and caregivers: You can also support nursing home staff, which directly impacts and improves senior wellness. Offer to assist with admin tasks, help with meal prep, or give a helping hand when staff are busy.
Your presence and efforts in volunteering on Senior Citizens Day can meaningfully improve the quality of life for residents, making them feel valued, happy, and cared for.
2. Surprise your neighbor.
If you have an older neighbor in your area, consider surprising them with a special treat this National Senior Citizens Day. A few ideas to build those intergenerational bonds include:
a.) Making them dinner
Prepare a delicious, home-cooked meal for an elderly neighbor who lives alone. Sharing a meal is a heartfelt gesture that shows you care about them. Drop off the food at their doorstep or invite them to your home for dinner. Providing a nutritious meal is a fantastic way to promote their physical health while encouraging senior companionship, connection, and love in your corner of the world.
b.) Wowing them with a treat
Even if you’re not a great cook, you can still surprise your neighbor with their favorite snack or beverage. Whether it’s a homemade batch of cookies, a coffee from the local coffee shop, or a care package of their favorite retro snacks, a special little treat is sure to make them smile!
c.) Sending them a flower delivery
Nothing says “I’m thinking of you” like a bouquet of flowers! Whether it’s a neighbor, loved one, or residents of a nursing home, a flower delivery instantly brings joy and shows you’re thinking of them this Senior Citizens Day.
d.) Offering to do their yardwork
Many seniors find yard work overwhelming due to pain and mobility restraints. So, whether it’s mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or planting flowers, a little work can go a long way to make their outdoor space more usable and enjoyable.
3. Support senior advocacy and rights campaigns.
This Senior Citizens Day, consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that advocate for senior rights. This includes nonprofits focused on healthcare, affordable housing, and other issues affecting seniors. Raising awareness about these causes can create positive change in your community and beyond. Check out your state’s government Council on Aging to find nonprofits in your area. AARP can also help you find volunteer opportunities.
4. Offer discounted or free services to seniors on Senior Citizens Day.
If you own a business in your community, consider celebrating National Senior Citizens Day with free or discounted services. For example, restaurants can offer a senior menu at a reduced price, hair salons can provide free haircuts, florists can hand out single-stem roses, and fitness centers can discount yoga classes for senior wellness.
5. Teach a class at the library or rec center.
Share your unique skills and knowledge by teaching a class tailored to seniors, such as a crafting workshop, a fitness class, or a tech tutorial. Whatever you enjoy doing, chances are, there are seniors who would love doing it, too! Ask your local library, recreation center, or senior center to see if they want to add more classes to their lineup. Your efforts will help promote senior wellness by encouraging them to stay active, social, and mentally sharp.
6. Donate to senior centers or food banks.
Support local senior centers or food banks by donating money, food, or supplies this Senior Citizens Day. These centers provide vital services for seniors, and your contributions can help them continue their work. Some helpful donation ideas include:
- Financial contributions to cover the cost of activities, events, transportation, and essentials at senior centers
- Arts and crafts materials
- Exercise equipment
- Board games and puzzles
- Technology, like tablets or laptops
- Books and magazines
- Non-perishable food items
- Gently used clothing
- Personal care items and toiletries
- Medical supplies like blood pressure monitors, mobility aids, and first aid kits
- Small home goods like bedding, towels, and kitchenware
- Gift cards to local grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants
Before donating, inquire with the center to see what donations they accept and use the most.
7. Promote intergenerational bonds.
Bonding between generations is one of the best ways to build a robust and vibrant community. Schools and summer camps can participate in National Senior Citizens Day by organizing senior companionship activities like mentorship programs. Students can learn from the wisdom and stories of seniors, and seniors will find joy in interacting with children. Students can also write letters or create art for seniors, which helps to foster connections and joy.
8. Write letters or cards.
Writing a heartfelt letter or card isn’t just for kids. By sharing your appreciation for their wisdom and experiences, you can let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. These personal notes will make them feel cherished and cared for, which is one of the cornerstones of a long, happy life.
You can even celebrate Senior Citizens Days by organizing a card-writing campaign at your workplace, school, or church to make it a group effort.
9. Do a random act of kindness.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. This Senior Citizens Day, put a little more love into the world by doing something nice for an older member of society:
- Offer to run errands for a neighbor.
- Hold the door open when leaving a store.
- Share a warm smile or friendly conversation.
- Leave a kind post-it note on their car door.
- Offer your seat on public transportation.
10. Pay for their GoGo services.
Consider giving your loved one the gift of convenience and independence this Senior Citizens Day by covering the cost of some of their GoGoGrandparent services. GoGo offers various services that help seniors maintain their independence and stay connected in their communities:
- Transportation: GoGo Rides offers safe, reliable rideshare transportation to seniors. By covering the cost of some of these rides, you’re promoting senior wellness by helping them get to medical appointments, grocery stores, and social events.
- Meal delivery: GoGo Gourmet offers food delivery services, making it easy for seniors to get their favorite meals from local restaurants. Paying for this service gives them the joy of healthy, delicious, nutritious meals – delivered right to their door – without the hassle of cooking or going out.
- Grocery delivery: Grocery shopping can be challenging for seniors, especially those with mobility issues or chronic illness. GoGo Grocery gives them access to fresh, nutritious food without having to navigate traffic, long lines, or heavy grocery bags.
- Pharmacy delivery: Safeguard your loved ones’ senior wellness with GoGo Pharmacy. This ensures they always have their prescriptions and healthcare essentials on hand to effectively manage their health.
- Housework: Maintaining a clean, organized home can be difficult for seniors. GoGo Home helps arrange housework professionals like cleaners, organizers, handymen, pet walkers, and more. Paying for this service ensures your loved one can live in a comfortable, tidy environment, which reduces stress and improves quality of life.
Happy National Senior Citizens Day!
National Senior Citizens Day is a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude for the older generation. By celebrating seniors, we’re fostering a community spirit that values and respects its elders, which benefits society in countless ways. Whether volunteering at nursing homes, paying for GoGo services, or delivering flowers, each act of kindness contributes to senior wellness and happiness in our community.
Thank you for celebrating National Senior Citizens Day with us! We can’t wait to hear about all the goodness you spread across the country!
