Seniors need to be remembered on holidays and Valentine's is no exception. Here are ideas for thoughtful gestures from children and family for senior citizens.
In the not-so-distant pass, a Valentine was a very sweet little homemade or store-bought paper note just to make someone smile and show friendship, thoughtfulness, or love. Valentines are a sweet and simple custom that senior citizens remember fondly from their youth and Valentine's Day is a sweet time to show love for seniors.
School children, homeschooling children, scouting or other groups, families or individuals can make seniors feel special and remembered in many ways. Ideas below can help seniors or residents of a senior citizen center or adult home to have a cheerful St. Valentine’s Day.
Valentine Ideas for Cheering Seniors
Make handcrafted Valentines for seniors. A class or group can adopt a group of seniors make cards.
Hand delivered purchased cards would also be very much appreciated.
A church choir or singing group could sing Valentine or love songs at a senior home, center, or apartment building. Be sure to make plans to visit ahead of time with the staff.
Ideas for Older Parents and Grandparents
Many of the ideas above will work on a one-on-one basis as well.
Teachers and parents can encourage children to remember the senior citizens in their lives and help them make handmade cards or gifts.
Of course, the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates is always a loving gift.
A heart-shaped frame (or paper cut-out) with a photo of a grandchild is a special gift idea.
Give Senior Citizens a Fun and Safe "Heart Attack"
A fun idea, that sounds a bit odd at first, is to give seniors a “heart attack.” This consists of cutting out loads and loads of hearts, gluing or taping them to craft sticks, and shoving them secretly into the front yard to the "attack-ee".
To add some extra fun, write conversation heart wording like “LUV U,” “BE MINE,” and such.
If the lawn is not possible, sneak in and carefully tape or lay hearts all over the senior’s house, apartment or room. This can also be done for a group home.
Long distance family seniors can be given a "heart attack" in a big manila envelope via mail.
Whatever the expression of kindness, senior citizens enjoy and appreciate anything special, no matter the size, on St. Valentine's Day.
The copyright of the article Remember Seniors on February 14 in Seniors/Grandparents is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish Remember Seniors on February 14 must be granted by the author in writing.