Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a Senior

When Valentine’s Day comes around, we’re flooded with commercials and print advertisements of young adults in love. While young love is a cute sight, it isn’t the only type of love to celebrate—the holiday is for older adults too! It may look different from the observances of younger couples, but all that matters is that it looks right for you.

Whether you’re commemorating a relationship of 50 years or a new relationship in retirement, celebrating Valentine’s Day as a senior can still be an exciting time. Try some of these fun activities with your special someone or your family members to enjoy the holiday.

With your special someone

If you’ve been together for decades, you may feel like you’ve already done it all with your spouse. Even if you’ve traveled the world together, there are still things you can do to make Valentine’s Day stand out from the rest.

For a romantic night in, settle on the couch with your favorite snacks and put on a movie that is special to both of you. You’ll not only spend a few hours enjoying something tried and true, but remembering the times associated with it.

Food is a language of love for many, so why not lean into it this Valentine’s Day? Take your loved one on a journey with their favorite dishes. You could spend the afternoon preparing the meal yourself, or you could make an event out of it by going to your favorite restaurants. Then, as you share a meal, reminisce on your lives together—from the good to all you’ve overcome.

For those who have the capability, make memories to last a lifetime with a short trip. Whether it’s to a nearby spa, a cabin retreat, or even to the place where the two of you first met, you’ll enjoy sharing these new memories together.

With your family

It’s important to take time to show your entire family you love them on Valentine’s Day too. There is plenty you can do to enjoy the holiday with your children and grandchildren in a way that’s fun for all involved.

No matter one’s age, decorating the home is a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit. Spend time together cutting out hearts, making festive garlands, and working on other DIY projects. Creating an exchanging valentines is a sweet activity to enjoy alongside your grandchildren in particular.

With your friends

Valentine’s Day can also be a day to celebrate friendships. Over the past decade or so, an alternative holiday “Galentine’s Day” has grown in popularity. Celebrated on February 3, the holiday spurned from an episode of Parks and Recreation where women honor their platonic relationships.

So, celebrate Galentine’s– or Pal-entine’s—Day this year by organizing a get-together with your closest friends. Potlucks or game nights are always great hits, as they bring everyone together over a particular activity. You could even exchange silly Valentine’s Day Cards for a laugh.

Get help this Valentine’s Day from a caregiver

Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, you might want help preparing for the festivities. Your at-home caregiver can run to the grocery store to pick up whatever you need for your special meal, do some light housekeeping, and help make sure you look and feel your best.

If you think you might benefit from the assistance of an at-home caregiver, call us at (773) 274-9262. We’d be happy to help.