Celebrate Seniors Every Day Of The Year – National Seniors day

October 1st is National Seniors Day in Canada. No question, this is and should be a very important day! In this case The Government of Canada proudly and justifiably so pays tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable contributions to Canadian communities, workplaces and society. The month of June 2013 marked Seniors’ Month in Ontario this year, and iCare Home Health did something very special. We were granted full rights to a collection of photographs of the world’s oldest people – super centenarians (individuals aged 110 and older). The photos are the works of Jerry Friedman and were showcased in Canada for the first time in September 2012 by Sheridan College and the Sheridan Elder Research Centre. They’ve also been displayed in various cities around the world, including Tokyo, Amsterdam, Washington, Boston, and New York City. During Seniors’ month in June 2013, iCare exhibited this collection at various venues in Burlington, Oakville, and Mississauga. The iCare team was honoured and excited to celebrate Seniors’ month with such a beautiful display. But we also realize that Seniors’ month needs to extend beyond one short month or even shorter day every year – senior appreciation needs to extend into the values and norms of everyday society and interaction.

Why?

Beyond the fact that anyone older than you has once been your age (and there’s something very nostalgic and beautiful in that thought alone), seniors are a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. They’ve experienced most of the things you’re experiencing, they can give tried and tested advice to problems that need solving, and they have a treasure chest full of stories and memories about a time that you will never experience. So what are some things you can do to celebrate seniors any day of the year?

Listen to their stories

There’s no doubt that you’re busy with your own life and priorities – perhaps tasks such as work, spouses, kids, finances, exercise, health, housekeeping, and an endless array of other activities. If you find yourself pressed for time, the best thing you can do is to schedule a block of time into your calendar – maybe it’s a few hours, maybe it’s a whole day – where you sit down with a senior and simply talk. Ask questions about their life, ask for advice on issues you’re struggling with, ask them to share the story of how they got married or what happened during the war years…regardless of what you’re discussing, just dedicate the time to listen. Go into the conversation with a selfless approach, knowing that this time isn’t necessarily revolving around you but is dedicated on listening and learning from the experiences of someone older, wiser, and more mature. Certain volunteer organizations are also dedicated to listening to seniors’ stories and transcribing those verbal recounts into articles or novels. If you have a knack for writing, perhaps this is something you want to try. You don’t need to do this through a formal organization –you can simply listen and record your grandparent’s stories, compile them into a short book, and save them for your children and grandchildren.

Cooking Lessons

You probably know a few seniors that make the most delicious meals you’ve ever had. Perhaps your grandmother makes the best pumpkin pie in the world or your grandfather has a secret recipe that got passed down from his mother. Whether the seniors you know are seasoned chiefs or not, take some time to cook or bake something together. Let them teach you a favourite recipe or pull out a new one from your favourite cookbook – just dedicate some time to making a meal together. If you use the help of a home care provider, then include your home care giver as an option. They too can be part of the family!

Have your own photo shoot

Dedicate some time every month to have your own photo shoot with some elders you know. If everyone is interested, you can make it a different themed event every time: perhaps outdoor photos with the changing leaves in September, Halloween themed in October, same-sweater pictures in November, and so on. This is a great way to spend quality time with seniors, such as your grandparents, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. What’s your favourite way of spending time with the seniors you know? Share it with us in the comments! Home Healthcare Agency can help you find more time to look after your personal goals while you can be rest assured that your elderly is being looked after by the right companions and nurses. Looking to hire a Home healthcare company in Oakville, Mississauga, Milton and Burlington area? Call us, we are happy to explore how we can help you and your loved ones.