Jul 7, 2014 3 min read

Children revel in celebrations. Firsts (like the first day of school), holidays, birthdays and other celebrations are good for our wellbeing because they acknowledge our accomplishments. Consciously and subconsciously, they identify milestones on our journey through life. When we neglect to a celebrate accomplishments, we run the risk of taking things for granted and minimizing how special and unique we are.

Older adults often shrug off celebrations. They may say things like “Don’t make a fuss,” or “It’s just another day.” They’ll tell you major events such as surgery or a move from their home is “nothing.”

Yet, the staff at Baptist Homes Society, which regularly provides care for more than 800 seniors, recommends celebrating milestones for the elderly just as you would anyone else’s. Of course, age, health status and other circumstances may play a role in how we celebrate, but appropriate celebrations boost a person’s wellbeing and add joy to their lives. Here are some of their ideas:

• Keep it simple. Just a visit will do. Bring a cupcake, candle and balloons on a birthday. Create laughter by singing “Happy Birthday” at the top of your lungs. Bring a framed photo or a card.

• Revive memories. Seniors love looking at pictures and sharing memories. Make a scrapbook of photos from past birthdays or events, with names and dates. Celebrate a move by recreating home in a corner of their new apartment. Add photos or sentimental decorations.

• Gather cards. You can recognize any milestone by asking friends and family to send you a greeting for the senior in your life. When you’ve collected all the cards, wrap them in a gift box and present them on the senior’s special day. Stay and read them or, depending on how many cards are received, schedule weekly visits to accomplish that task.

• Create a celebrity. Community newspapers often feature stories about seniors. Contact your local newspaper. Provide a photo and brief bio about your special senior. When the article appears, present it to your loved one in a frame. Most likely, they’ll also receive phone calls and notes from neighbors and friends who have seen the piece.

• Skype Away. Many of us have iPads and other mobile devices. But to the elderly, these can seem like magical tools. Schedule an hour for friends and family to call the senior in your life on your mobile device, and create a little magic.

• Share video hour. This isn’t time to nod off to a movie. Select short documentaries or scenic films with significance to your loved one (i.e., a DVD tour of Ireland, baby animals, favorite entertainers from years gone by.) The idea is to open up conversation, start a sing-a-long and inspire reminiscences.

Any celebration that is based on giving time and getting personally involved with an elderly friend or loved one is a valuable gift to give.