National Parents and World Grand Parents Day: A Tribute to Our Life Gurus

Parents and grandparents are the roots of a family. From the time, a child is born, he depends on his parents for love, protection, support and guidance. Parents and grandparents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future with their values and skills taught at different stages of life. To acknowledge the contribution and dedication of parents and the elderly, the fourth Sunday of July every year is celebrated as a day for parents and grandparents. 

In this blog, you will learn about National Parents Day and the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, both celebrated on the same day which happens to be on July 28th this year.  Stay with us!

National Parents Day

In the year 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted many resolutions, to recognise the role of the family in social development. Here are some important events that mark the origin of Parents Day.

• United Nations General Assembly declared 1994 as the International Year of the Family.
• Subsequently, in 1994, President Bill Clinton passed a resolution to recognise the importance of responsible parenting in nurturing children. Senator Trent Lott and Congressman Dan Coat proposed the idea of dedicating a day to the parents. Since then, the fourth Sunday of July has been celebrated every year as National Parents Day in the USA. 
• Later, in 2012, the United Nations announced the 1st of June as the Global Day of Parents to recognise the role of parents in the development and well-being of children. “The Promise of Playful Parenting” is this year’s global Parents Day theme.

A Happy Parents Day wish not only appreciates the efforts of parents but also provides an opportunity for the children to express their love and gratitude to their parents. This can be done through heartfelt gestures like spending time with parents, taking them out for a special meal or a trip, or giving gifts. These gestures are a beautiful way to strengthen the bond between parents and children.

World Day for Grandparents and Elderly

World Day for Grandparents and Elderly was established by Pope Francis in 2021. It was celebrated for the first time on the fourth Sunday of July in memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, who were grandparents of Jesus. This year World Grandparents Day will be celebrated for the fourth time with the theme of “Do not cast me off in my old age”, a line from Psalm 71:9. The theme revolves around the idea of inclusivity for elders and honouring the wisdom and experience they have gained. 

Elders offer valuable lessons that can help in challenging times. Sadly, senior people in the are often seen ignored and neglected in their old age.  Due to prolonged health issues they become incompetent to participate in major life decisions. Hence, this day was announced with the purpose to-

• Let the grandparents and elderly know that they are needed and loved
• Bring attention to the loneliness of the elderly
• Encourage people and youngsters in the family to spend time with them

Keeping Your Parents and Elderly Happy and Engaged

In today’s fast-paced lives, it is easy to be occupied with responsibilities and overlook the needs of the elders in the family. This can leave them feeling unimportant and sad. However, it is our responsibility to ensure their happiness and well-being as they are the foundation of our family. Here are some simple ways you can keep the elders in the family engaged:

Keep Them Connected

Being socially connected with old friends and family members is good for the mental and emotional well-being of any elder. Make sure that they are in touch with their friends and extended family. Arrange meetings and visits so that they don’t feel isolated.

Ask Them for Help

Feeling useful and needed allows the elders to look forward to something in a day. Seek their help in small tasks so that they feel valued. Asking them to make a grocery list, folding laundry, sharing a recipe or looking after plants are easy ways to keep them engaged.

Spend Time with Them

Engage in conversations, asking them about their day or telling them about your day and work are good ways to start a conversation. Take them for a walk, exercise with them or just join them in a hobby to spend some quality time with them and also ensure that they are active.

Encourage Them to Stay Positive and Healthy

Elders often tend to ignore their health if they don’t feel good. It is important to encourage them to have a positive outlook by engaging with them, making them follow a routine and taking care of their health. 

Final Words

As we are ready to celebrate National Parents Day and the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly, let us ensure that no elder feels lonely and neglected. Understanding their emotional needs and giving them the attention they crave should be our purpose in celebrating this day.  

In addition, taking care of their health should also be a priority. Getting them covered under a suitable senior citizen medical insurance policy will ensure that their medical needs are taken care of. Care Health Insurance offers Care Senior plan which is tailored to meet the specific needs of the elders. Connect with our team of insurance experts today to learn more details about the plan.

>> Also Read: Importance of Buying Health Insurance for Senior Citizens

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.