Spending Memorial Day with Elders

For many senior citizens, Memorial Day is a bittersweet time. According to Statistica, 43.92% of people aged 75 and over are veterans. As a result, the chances that your elderly loved one has been personally impacted by the loss of a friend or family member in the armed forces are quite high. Make this Memorial Day with elders a particularly special one by partaking in one, or some combination, of these Memorial Day activities.

Attend a Flag Ceremony with Your Elderly Loved One

One of the quintessential to pay respects to our fallen soldiers is to host, or attend, a flag raising ceremony. Most cities host this event in a downtown area or outside city hall. If you plan on hosting the ceremony yourself, the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon. It should then raised to the top of staff until sunset.

Observe the National Moment of Remembrance

Each Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time, Americans across the country honor the National Moment of Remembrance. Bring the whole family together to sit quietly for one minute. Afterwards, play a short tribute to the lives lost, or simply just be there to support your elderly loved one.

Help Your Elderly Loved One Reach Out to the Families of a Deceased Soldier

Connecting with those who were close to the family-member or friend who died while serving may be cathartic for your elderly loved one. Whether done via a phone call, video chat, or even a letter, they will likely enjoy remembering the good times.

Visit Your Local Cemetery

Did you know that Memorial Day was once called “Decoration Day?” This is because the purpose of the day used to be decorating the graves of fallen soldiers.  If there is a veteran section in your local cemetery, take a walk through it with your elderly loved one. You and your loved one could gather small American flags or red poppies—the universal flower of remembrance—to place on these graves.

Celebrate with a Patriotic Cookout/Picnic

Memorial Day with elders doesn’t have to be a completely somber event. It should be a time for reflection, but it should also be a time for celebrating lives and the freedom we have. Enjoy the start of summer with their favorite grilled foods, fruit, and desserts. Decorating for these festivities with red, white, and blue paraphernalia is an additional way to spend time with your elderly loved one. It also serves as a great way for them to spend time with the younger members of the family.

Spending time with an Elderly Loved One is Invaluable

Too often, senior citizens express feeling isolated from family, friends, and their community as a whole. While they may enjoy living in the comfort of their homes, isolation can lead to loneliness and depression.

Our in-home care workers can help bridge the social gap seniors need when you can’t be there for them. We will gladly engage in their favorite activities, watch their favorite movies, or simply be there to lend an ear. We are also available to provide home care services, run errands, and help with other daily living activities.

Call us at 773-274-9262 to ask how Home Care Powered by AUAF can help your loved one have a good quality of life.