Simple Valentine’s gestures can warm seniors’ hearts
With Valentine’s Day this week and inflation being through the roof, the thought of spending money on an extravagant date or gifts has all of us stressing out. Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be a fancy dinner or getting the latest and greatest gift for a loved one. Sometimes simple and meaningful is better.
So how can we celebrate the ones we love without breaking the bank and possibly spreading a little love to those who need it a bit more?
According to the Administration on Aging, out of Virginia’s population of 9 million, 16% or 1.4 million are over the age of 65 and live alone, many because they have lost a spouse.
And according to a Dreaming Home Report from LeadingAge Virginia, the statewide association that represents nonprofits serving the continuum of care, the best thing about growing older is learning more, growing more and passing it on.
This year for Valentine’s Day, we have decided to do date night with our friends and colleagues at Williamsburg Landing, a local not-for-profit life plan community. As a couple who both work there during the day, we wanted to make this holiday even more meaningful for them with a special dinner, a little bubbly and then moving on to a night of entertainment with Frank Sinatra. Well, a Frank Sinatra tribute singer!
Everyone deserves to feel loved and special all year round, but especially on Valentine’s Day, because so often people forget that the aging community should be included in that.
Historically, the public has thrown major support to causes that promote the welfare of children, the environment and animals, but aging adults are often overlooked.
LeadingAge Virginia helps us remember that the aging community needs just as much love and support that all other causes typically get, and not-for-profits such as ours, do an exceptional job at creating experiences that do just that.
We challenge you, your significant other or your friends to get involved this Valentine’s Day with your local aging services organization or a neighbor on your street who is alone, just like we are going to do.
Our two children, Jack and Lily, who work here as servers as well will also be with us along with more than 40 other high schoolers who enjoy being with all our residents.
Here are just a few ideas to keep top of mind: write a letter anonymously or signed, deliver individual flowers to be distributed, make a scheduled visit, help with technology assistance, volunteer for an art project or, if you have musical talents, come perform.
If you have an older adult who lives on your street, consider stopping by with some chocolates or even simply just to chat for an hour.
If you have young children, consider involving them as well to make a homemade card or deliver a special surprise to a community or just someone on your street.
The smiles we see when younger people visit are truly heartwarming. We promise you will walk away with more love in your heart seeing the appreciation on any older adults’ face.
While these gestures undoubtedly warm the hearts of many, they are also a different kind of love that transcends traditional notions of romance and don’t have to cost you a dime.
Who knows, maybe it will become a new tradition that you and your significant other or friends might just make happen year after year.
Let’s all reimagine Valentine’s Day by showing acts of love and kindness to those around us.
Everyone deserves to feel loved and special all year round, but especially on Valentine’s Day, because so often people forget that the aging community should be included in that.