Picture this: you start your day with a gentle stroll through River Prairie Park in Altoona, WI, soaking in the fresh air and enjoying great conversation with a friend. Then you spend a peaceful afternoon with coffee and a fresh pastry at the Nostalgic Bean. If this sounds like you're idea of a wonderful day, then you'll love celebrating National Senior Citizens Day in Altoona.
Every year, August 21 -- National Senior Citizens Day -- serves as a reminder to acknowledge the contributions and wisdom of older adults. At Oak Gardens Place in Altoona, we recognize that this isn't just a one-day celebration; it's an opportunity to showcase our person-centered care. We ensure that all residents feel safe, valued, and respected.
From bond-building game time to arts and crafts that are as engaging as they are stimulating, National Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to remind older adults to slow down and embrace each day with meaning and purpose.
Here are some helpful ways seniors can stay active and connected on National Senior Citizens Day and throughout the year.
Game time is a great opportunity for residents to not only be entertained but also to socialize and connect with community members.
Some games that help with senior recognition in WI include:
These games are ideal for stimulating memory and helping seniors think more quickly. Since they encourage social interaction, they're ideal for combating feelings of loneliness and isolation, something seniors are more prone to experiencing.
Although game time is essential all year long, National Senior Citizens Day is a great time to turn it into a full-scale tournament. Residents will enjoy:
Seniors cheer one another on and share stories while enjoying a shared sense of accomplishment.
Creativity is wonderful for people of all ages and is a perfect way to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day. Residents can participate in the following arts and crafts programs:
Some seniors may enjoy knitting or crocheting, while others prefer to create scrapbooks. Other fun arts and crafts projects include working with clay or attending our guided watercolor sessions. Provide all supplies for seniors to enjoy, so they just need to bring themselves and their creativity.
Art can be very calming and may reduce stress while contributing to a person's overall sense of well-being. It also assists with assisted living respect by showing residents you care about their creative outlets.
Since art is often about conveying what words can't express, it's ideal for residents seeking to connect with their inner selves. Seniors with memory-related conditions will benefit from this highly therapeutic benefit.
Additionally, it's inclusive, allowing seniors with mobility issues to benefit from activities such as watercolor painting, air-dry clay sculpting, card making, and more. No matter what type of art seniors create, it's a way of celebrating National Senior Citizens Day that lets them relax and shine.
Music is universal and can uplift a person, and is a perfect addition when honoring older adults. It's also great for celebrating seniors, and there's no shortage of ways to incorporate it into a National Senior Citizens Day celebration. For example, you can:
It's also a great idea to incorporate routine music therapy throughout the year.
Tailor music events to the preferences of the residents. This might include:
You can even invite family members to join in the celebration! Consider hosting a "Memory Lane Music Hour" as part of the activities and events, featuring residents' favorite songs, encouraging them to share their stories.
Physical health supports a person's emotional health and well-being, and National Senior Citizens Day is a great opportunity to start exercising. Seniors can adopt these habits throughout the year, incorporating new exercise routines into their daily routine.
Some low-impact fitness options include:
No matter what class you offer, ensure it's designed to be safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all residents regardless of ability level. They should look forward to exercise and not find it to be a chore.
Seniors should embrace nature in a community garden, enjoying a peaceful day in the sun. They can plant in the garden, making it their own. Some things to grow include:
Seniors not looking to plant can simply sit in the garden and enjoy being outdoors. This is also a great option for those with limited mobility, as raised garden beds are an alternative. Seniors in wheelchairs can also sit at tables and work with raised planters.
Gardening is an excellent activity for sensory stimulation while promoting motor skills in older adults. It also offers residents a beautiful sense of accomplishment on National Senior Citizens Day that they can carry all year while embracing elder care awareness through group activities.
Altoona, WI, offers numerous spots for seniors to enjoy. Visit River Prairie Park for a picnic or visit any number of restaurants and coffee shops for a sweet treat. Seniors can enjoy time visiting with family and friends, enjoying the sights and fresh air.
National Senior Citizens Day is more than just a one-time event. It's a reminder to celebrate older adults throughout the year, acknowledging their contributions and how they've paved the way for us. Aging with dignity in Altoona offers numerous ways for seniors to connect, whether through games, gardening, or listening to music, allowing them to feel special and celebrated.
At Oak Gardens Place Assisted Living in Altoona, we don't just care for our residents, we celebrate them every day. This includes personalized support and enriching programs that make seniors feel valued and respected in a community that feels like home. Contact us today and let us show you what makes our community so special.