Where we are today would not have been possible without older generations clearing a path and leading the way. That’s why every year, on August 21st, we as a nation celebrate the accomplishments of the older generations while raising awareness about issues affecting senior citizens’ quality of life with National Senior Citizens Day.
Since 1988, National Senior Citizens Day has been about recognizing the past accomplishments and persistent efforts of our older generations to make the future a better place to work, live, pursue a dream, or raise a family. National Senior Citizens Day was signed into law as a national holiday by Ronald Reagan, who had this to say about the day:
“Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land.
For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”
Although National Senior Citizens Day is once a year, you can show your support anytime. In fact, here are five ways to say “thank you” to the older generation on August 21st and every other day of the year.
Five Ways to Say Thank You
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Take Them Out For an Afternoon
Whether they are newly widowed or simply living the retired life, there’s always a possibility for a senior citizen to feel lonely. So, why not treat them to an afternoon out on the town? It could be a gentle walk through the park, a light yoga session on a comfortable
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Offer An Exclusive Senior Discount
If you’re a business owner interested in showing your thanks to the senior citizens in your community, consider offering a senior citizen discount. Because many senior citizens live on a fixed income, every penny saved is a penny earned, and they will appreciate the gesture.
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Donate to a Senior Center or Nursing Home
Another great way to support the senior citizens in your community is to donate goods, foods, services, or other items to your local senior center or a nursing home. Not sure what to donate? Call and see what kind of items centers and homes are short on and what they could use more of. For instance, maybe a local senior center near you needs updated
- to keep them moving, or simply a lunch date at a new restaurant. Regardless of what you do, there’s plenty of ways to get them out and keep them active.
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Offer to Help Around The Home
If you have a senior citizen in your life living independently, they may benefit from some extra help around the home. Offer to come over and help clean, tidy up, organize, or tackle some home improvement projects. For instance, if they love to cook but standing on their feet for long periods of time is a bother, why not introduce one or a few
- for their weekly exercise program or are simply low on snacks and food items. Regardless of what they need, they’ll be grateful to have donations come in.
- for them to stand on while they make their favorite dishes?
Aside from offering to help around the home, you may ask if they feel safe at home in their day to day life or if there is anything they would benefit from adding, like a raised toilet seat, a stair chair, or supportive tumbling mats on either side of the bed in case they were to fall or roll off of the bed.
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Help Them Find Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great activity for senior citizens to use as a way to stay involved in the community. If this sounds like something a loved one of yours might enjoy, offer to help them find a volunteer opportunity in your local community. This is not only a great way to keep them active and having fun, but it also helps support local organizations that could use the extra hands.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the senior citizens in your life, We Sell Mats™ can help make any activity safer and more comfortable with our extensive collection of supportive mats for home or commercial settings. Shop today and give your elderly loved ones the support they’ll thank you for.