In 1990, the United Nations designated October 1 as International Day of Older Persons. Around the world, countries like Canada have followed suit.
Aging in Canada
Today, seniors make up 17% of Canada’s population, and as the Baby Boomer moves into retirement years, one in five Canadians will be 65+ by 2024. As we live longer, countries, communities and individuals grapple with a new set of issues: social isolation, adaptive labour policies, universal health care, life-long learning opportunities.
We are continually looking for ways to celebrate, empower and include seniors in our lives.
Ideas for National Seniors Day
Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate a senior today:
• Make a phone call. Reach out to a senior in your world for a friendly chat. While many of us favour of texting, messaging, even email, social connections for seniors tend to come through the phone.
• Re-educate yourself. Subconsciously we can let stereotypes impact how we treat seniors and even how we approach our own aging. Take a few moments to redefine aging and to think about your attitudes and behaviours.
• Involve a senior in your interests. Consider taking time to include seniors in your life and your community, in hobbies that interest you. Whether offering a motorcycle ride, visiting a winery together, baking cupcakes or going to a movie, there’s always a way to include a senior.
• Write a note of gratitude. The seniors in your life have shaped your world dramatically with their votes, taxes, sweat, hard work, advocacy, and service. Take a moment to write the words down and share them, allowing them to be read and re-read as the days go by.
• Encourage engagement. As we age, sometimes we need some encouragement to stay active, social and optimistic. Most communities have senior centres that offer an assortment of opportunities for seniors. Come alongside the seniors in your life to connect them to these resources.
Bria Communities Celebrates National Seniors Day
Bria Communities is hosting two terrific National Seniors Day Events.
• The Wexford in Tsawwassen opens their doors from 1-3 PM for a free Wellness Fair for seniors in the community. More than 24 vendors will be on-site to share information, services and swag.
• Magnolia Gardens and Sunridge Gardens are teaming up with the Langley Senior Resources Society for a free party featuring live music, cake, prizes, and a community flag-raising ceremony.
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