World Senior Citizens Day in Australia
Let's celebrate the wisdom and experience that comes with ageing this World Senior Citizens Day.
Observed worldwide on the 21st of August each year, World Senior Citizens Day is a time to recognise the important contributions older adults make to their families and communities.
The day was officially established in 1988 by United States President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan wanted to have a special senior citizen day to highlight the valuable roles that older people play in society all over the world.
Wellbeing and longevity for all
World Senior Citizens Day is not only a time to pay tribute to seniors but also an opportunity to raise awareness about issues that affect older people.
One of the main goals of World Senior Citizens Day is to highlight the challenges that older adults face, including health concerns, financial stability, aged care and social isolation. By bringing these issues to the front of people's minds, the day encourages the wider community to advocate for policies and programs that support the wellbeing and longevity of everyone as they age.
You can find information about advocacy programs and support networks for issues relating to ageing online. Organisations such as National Seniors, COTA and OPAN deliver information and education. You can also find resources for older people on the Australian Government Seniors and My Aged Care websites.
Celebrating our seniors
In our retirement villages, resident groups often organise special celebrations for World Senior Citizens Day to bring neighbours and friends together.
If you’re looking for how to celebrate Senior Citizens Day with the older people in your life this year, here are five ideas:
- Host a morning tea: Organise a morning tea where older members of your community can socialise, share stories, enjoy entertainment and refreshments. Events that bring all ages together help to combat feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
- Organise an arts and crafts fair: Many seniors have a knack for crafty creations. Organising an exhibition or market that features art and craft created by seniors is a great opportunity to showcase the talents and creativity of older people in your community.
- Plan a family get-together: Arrange a special family meal or outing to show appreciation for the seniors in your family. It can be a picnic, a dinner at their favourite restaurant, or a day trip to a place they love.
- Support your local hobby shed: Hobby sheds are great places for older adults to gather to socialise, share skills and work on projects. Donations of tools, equipment or pre-loved items make a real difference to these not for profit groups. You can learn more about supporting a Men's Shed here.
- Check out what’s happening at your local retirement village: If there’s a senior in your life who’s on the fence about living in a retirement village, this might be the perfect day to bring them along to a World Senior Citizens Day event. Being able to meet other retirees and tour a village is a great way to experience firsthand what retirement living is all about and decide if it would be a good fit. Visit our Facebook page for upcoming events at a village near you.
Let's make this day one to remember
By celebrating the contributions of seniors and raising awareness about the needs and challenges of all people as they get older, we can work towards building a more inclusive and age friendly world for people of all ages. Happy World Senior Citizens Day!
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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