International Day of Older Persons: Ways to make the elderly feel special

International Day of Older Persons: Ways to make the elderly feel special

From helping them clean to pampering them with a massage, here are great things you can do for the elderly people you love.

Holding the hand of someone elderly
Holding the hand of someone elderly/ iStock

October 1 is International Day of Older Persons. 

South Africa commemorates the day as part of a national Older Persons Week and Social Development Month.

The day is aimed at spreading awareness about the need for health provisions and social care for those aged 60 years and above.

The elderly are very vulnerable and can be neglected by society.

Let us look at ways you can make them feel special this International Day of Older Persons. 

Check up on them

One of the things that elderly people value the most is spending time with their loved ones.

With life being so busy, sometimes elderly people can feel neglected by their families and loved ones, especially if they stay alone.

That is why it is important to spend quality time with them or to give them a call to assure them of your love for them.

This International Day of Older Persons is the perfect day to make them know they matter. 

READ: Covid-19 jabs: 1 million elderly inoculated in SA

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

Pamper them with a massage

There are countless benefits of getting a massage. It helps with relaxation, it reduces muscle tension, and can improve blood circulation.

So, why not offer to massage the elderly people in your life or book them a day at the spa?

via GIPHY

Give a heartfelt gift

Gifts go a long way, especially if it is something sentimental. Pamper the elderly in your life with a heartfelt gift that will make them feel important and loved. 

READ: Covid-19 jabs: 1 million elderly inoculated in SA

via GIPHY

Help with household chores

As people grow older, they might get tired quickly and struggle to do household chores. This International Day of Older Persons, volunteer to help some elderly person in your area or family with spring cleaning. 

via GIPHY

Cook them something delicious

What’s better than a delicious home-cooked meal? Spoil the elderly in your life with a nice, healthy meal. 

via GIPHY

Offer to do grocery shopping

Going shopping can be a mission and a half for the elderly. Have them send you a list of their grocery needs and do the shopping for them.

You can even volunteer to drop off their groceries monthly. 

READ: More elderly people are opting to stay in senior living communities due to COVID-19

via GIPHY

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