Celebrate Older Persons Day: 6 Fun Ideas for Kids & Older Persons

Introduction:

In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed in a report that last year, approximately 1 in 6 elderly individuals aged 60 and older faced abuse in their communities. These abuses lead to physical injuries and psychological trauma. Worse, experts anticipate an increase in abuse in the coming years. We should ask ourselves, “How can we protect the dignity and rights of the elderly?” The challenges of ageism are becoming more widespread, especially after pandemics, poverty, and climate disasters. As our most vulnerable group, older people are the first victims.

“Older persons are invaluable sources of knowledge and experience and have much to contribute towards peace, sustainable development, and protecting our planet.”— António Guterres.

In this article, Ideazsuper will talk about the history of this day, challenges faced by the elderly, some tips, and Six Fun Activities that senior citizens and children may do to celebrate October 1st together.

History of International Older Persons Day

A society must protect the rights of older people, ensure their active Inclusion, and make policies tailored to their needs. We can create an age-friendly society and make this world a joyful place to live in. The United Nations took action by establishing the International Day of Older Persons, first observed on October 1, 1990. This day encourages children to form meaningful connections with their grandparents and other elderly relatives, as well as elderly members of their community. Ideazsuper has created creative and fun activities and worksheets for kids to engage in this event and show appreciation.

This celebration is not just limited to the Day of the Older Person; it is a reminder of the significant contributions of elderly individuals. As we move into 2024, the International Day of Older Persons 2024 theme encourages society to continue strengthening its ties with seniors and offering support where needed.

The Elderly’s Challenges

The primary goal of the International Day of Older People is to raise awareness about aging-related issues, such as:

Healthcare Needs:

Access to quality medical treatment and facilities to address age-related health concerns.

Economic Security:

Ensuring economic well-being and easing the financial burden on senior citizens.

Social Inclusion:

It is essential to promote community inclusion so that nobody feels isolated and lonely.

These challenges are often highlighted through news about older people, referred to as elderly person news, and emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive society.

6 Fun Ways to Celebrate International Day of Older Persons

We should honor and respect older people year-round, but the International Day of Older Persons offers an ideal opportunity to show appreciation. Today, children can go the extra mile in providing care and support to their elderly family members. Ideazsuper has compiled Six activities that both kids and seniors can enjoy together:

1.    Make Personalized Creative Cards

Gather colored paper, markers, and scissors to create a personalized card. This activity would enhance kids’ creativity and help them express themselves better with heartfelt messages and by including the memories they shared.

2.    Create a Scrapbook

Scrapbooks are a beautiful way to preserve family history. Children can collaborate with seniors to paste old photos, write stories about the captured moments, and add special notes highlighting their favorite memories.

3.    Enjoy a Film Night with the Elderly

Organize a cozy movie night, complete with snacks. Choose a classic film or a favorite from the senior’s past, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and shared joy. Enjoying a film night is an excellent way for kids to bond while revisiting beloved memories.

4.    Arrange a Family Dinner

Cooking together is a great bonding activity. This activity will help your child to understand the virtue of helping others. Kids and older adults can work together to prepare a family meal. It will strengthen their relationship and also create lasting memories in the kitchen.

5.    Organize Outdoor Activities

Physical activity is beneficial for both kids and seniors. You can plan outdoor events like garden parties, nature walks, park picnics, or a scenic drive to create memories. These activities promote unity, health, and quality time together in the fresh air.

6.    Assemble a Family Tree

Have children and seniors collaborate on creating a family tree. Family tree assembling activity help children to understand their ancestral background and heritage and the history that shapes their identity.

Aged Day and Calendar for the Elderly

While World Senior Citizens Day is another event that celebrates older people, the calendar for the elderly includes other vital dates like age days and the calendar for older people. Then there is Grandparents Day as well. All these days, we give importance to all the senior citizens of our country by providing care, appreciating their wisdom, and saying that their opinions matter.

Conclusion

Recognizing and supporting older people is essential for building a more inclusive and compassionate society. Our communities grow stronger when we meet the needs of older individuals and honor their contributions.

Children can make a difference by spending quality time with seniors, volunteering at senior centers, advocating for policies that benefit older persons, or starting online campaigns with hashtags like #ElderEmpowerment, #ProtectElders, and #SayNoToAgeism. These efforts can create a more inclusive environment for senior citizens and the overall betterment of society.

The knowledge and wisdom of our elders are invaluable. By paying tribute to their legacy and providing the care they deserve, we enrich our own lives and contribute to a brighter future. In 2024, as we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, let’s continue to value and support older people, ensuring they are never marginalized but always respected and cherished.

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Checklist for International Elderly Day