World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Grandparents and other elderly people can be the source of vast amounts of experience and insight into the way that the world works. But, sadly, many people in modern society and culture are not necessarily attuned to the wisdom and guidance that can come from having aged people in their lives. It often takes a little time to slow down and listen in order to get some nuggets and stories from an older person, so many younger people tend to just assume that the elderly have little to offer. 

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is here to show appreciation for older people, to learn to listen to those who have gone before, and to offer them the respect and honor they deserve.

History of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is a fairly recent event that was designated and declared by Pope Francis in 2021. In his declaration of the day, the pope noted that the voice of the elderly is “precious” and that it is worth listening to the words and wisdom of older people.

Some credit for setting up the day can be given to the Catholic Grandparents Association, who was at the forefront of campaigning the leaders of the church to acknowledge grandparents who faithfully pass their legacy on to the next generation.

While this day has some religious attachments, the honor of the elderly is a value that can be practiced by anyone! The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is certainly a worthy cause that can be enjoyed and honored by people of various faiths and beliefs.

How to Celebrate World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Anyone can get connected with and start celebrating World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in a number of ways, including some of these ideas:

Thank a Grandparent or Elderly Person

Sometimes grandparents, or those elderly people who take on the role of a grandparent, are rather quiet and unassuming. They tend to take life more slowly and perhaps even take the world a little less seriously than frazzled parents who are just trying to keep all of the wheels turning. Children can learn a lot by spending time with elderly people who are content to simply play a game or talk with a child.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is the perfect time to say thank you and show some appreciation for the wisdom of generations that has been passed down.

Establish a Relationship

Those who don’t have living grandparents might want to take this opportunity to establish a relationship with another elderly person. This might take the form of checking in on an elderly neighbor over a cup of tea, or it could mean volunteering at a nursing home where it’s possible to read to, play games with or simply listen to the stories told by an older and experienced person.