Father’s Day is a special day when children all around the world celebrate their fathers and recognize the love and support they have provided over the years. It is a day to express gratitude, respect, and affection for the man who has made significant contributions to their lives. For those of us whose fathers are elderly, this day holds an even more significant meaning. It is a time to cherish the moments we have left with them and appreciate their guidance and wisdom.
What are some unique ways in which we can celebrate Father’s Day, that we know our dads would enjoy?
4 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day
Spend a downhome day with Dad
Make it a point to spend the entire day with your father, doing all the things he loves. Start the day off with a hearty breakfast, followed by a walk if possible. During the walk, you could reminisce about old times and share stories about your lives. Talk about the changes that have occurred in your family, in the world, and in your own lives.
The afternoon can be spent playing cards or board games, birdwatching, fishing or being outdoors or anything that is your father’s favorite activity.
In the evening, watch a movie or a show that your father has been eagerly anticipating, and share a few laughs. After the movie, sit down for a cup of tea or coffee, and continue conversations. This is the perfect time to let your father know how much you appreciate him and how he has made your life so much better.
Special activities
Many senior men enjoy playing games in their downtime and occasions such as Father’s Day provide the perfect opportunity to engage in such activities. They could involve playing cards, board games, or even video games. This activity is a great way to ruminate on old memories while also creating new ones.
Another activity could be taking your father to view landmarks, museums, and other places of interest. Exploring a new city or taking a short road trip will provide great bonding moments for both generations. It’s a chance to talk about history, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Let stories drive the day
Often times seniors will say that the occasions when they are able to share stories of their lives are very meaningful to them. Perhaps you could run an “interview” about their lives or play a “gameshow” style version of This Is Your Life. Whether you use a formal or casual style of creating an comfortable environment for them to share their stories with you, the important part is the stories.
Remember to be patient, elderly dads may recount the same story more than once. While it’s certainly a bonding experience, this time is more for them than it is for you.
When dad is only semi- (or non-) responsive
It can be challenging to know how to spend time with a semi or non responsive father. But you are one of the people in the world who knows him the best. What do you think he would enjoy? Watching the ballgame with your exciting narration?
Perhaps he loved to read and would enjoy you reading from his favorite book? Or turn the storytelling around and tell him your favorite stories of growing up with him and lessons you learned from him.
Listening to music can also be profoundly enjoyable, for both of you. Play some of his favorite records (CDs or Spotify…whatever is available) and sing along, in-between pausing for commentary on each song.
Quality time is quality time
Regardless of how we celebrate Father’s Day, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time with our senior fathers, showing them love, and making them feel appreciated. Engaging in meaningful activities, which they enjoy, will help build happier, stronger, and long-lasting relationships. It’s essential to remember that the memories created on Father’s Day lasts beyond a single day, and as we grow older, we will look back at these moments of bonding and remember the special times we shared with our fathers.
Wrap Up
Father’s Day is a day to celebrate our fathers and treasure the time we have with them. Our fathers have given us so much in our lives, and they deserve all the love, respect, and affection we can give them. Spending time with our elderly fathers on Father’s Day is an excellent way to show them how much we care and how much their love has meant to us. Let us never take our fathers for granted and always make sure we let them know how much they mean to us.
~ ~ ~
For over 30 years, CareGivers of America has proven our leadership in the home health care industry while showing continuous dedication in referring the highest level of care. There is an alternative to nursing homes and assisted living facilities; Home Health Care. We serve residents in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.
Do you have questions about how you can better support your loved one while they age in place in South Florida or regarding homecare in general? Please contact us here: Click here to contact us or call us toll free: 800-342-4197
Our amazing mailing list is where you’ll receive special content, click here to subscribe.
*No information in this article is to be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. This post is not sponsored, but may contain external links to websites, articles or product examples. External links are used for example or reference purposes only and these links do not indicate specific product or website endorsement by CareGivers of America.