National Grandparents Day

September 8th is National Grandparents Day. As an adult child of someone in a senior living community, it’s important to remember the role family plays in senior living. Bringing younger people and children to the community makes for a more vibrant and home-like environment for everyone. 

Think of the pride you hear in your parent’s voice when they talk about their grandkids and their achievements. The doting grandparent is a common stereotype because of how often it rings true in reality. Many grandparents love gushing about their grandchildren, bragging about their accomplishments, and showing off recent pictures. 

Now think of how much better the experience is for them when the young ones are there for them to banter with and introduce to their friends! 

We’ve talked about the importance of intergenerational relationships before in our blog on The Spires at Berry College for Intergenerational Day. Bringing generations together can create really special and mutually beneficial relationships that can have a profound impact on both the old and the young. 

Many residents in your community might be living far away from their families, and Grandparents Day is a great opportunity to connect with a local daycare or elementary school to introduce “grand friends” to the students. Many schools welcome a community service opportunity to make cards or share video messages with “grand friends,” and this may be an opportunity for some of your residents to volunteer in the classroom to read books and stories to the children. 

You could also host a “game night” when children and grandfriends can play some classic games together like Scrabble or Candy Land. For extra fun, let the kids play Twister and have the grand friends call out the directions.

This fall, find ways for the young and old to connect  - you never know where those friendships might lead. 

Happy Grandparent’s Day!

Morgan's son, Luke, enjoying a treat with his Pop Pop, John Zarvis.