Observing Memorial Day With Seniors

Memorial Day: Reflection, Revelry, Relaxation.   

 

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday dedicated to remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. Foremost, it’s a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice military personnel have given for our country, but it’s also marked by parades and revelry to celebrate the country for which those men and women gave their lives. Lastly, since Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May every year, it also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer vacation season and a time to relax.

Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Be sure to include your senior loved ones in all the great activities that will be going on during the three-day Memorial Day holiday weekend. In addition to parades, there’s also the Indianapolis 500 race on Sunday, local festivals to attend, and cookouts to enjoy. The following are some additional ideas for observing Memorial Day with your elderly loved ones:

 

A few ways to observe Memorial Day with seniors:

 

  • Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes
  • Visit memorials
  • Fly the US Flag at half-staff until noon
  • Fly the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act)
  • Participate in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played
  • Renew a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans
  • Watch local parades
  • Have a red, white and blue themed picnic
  • Make patriotic pinwheels or other patriotic crafts

 

Play it safe this Memorial Day

When planning your Memorial Day activities, remember to consider the heat and sun:

 

  • Dress in light-colored, lightweight, clothing that is loose-fitting for air circulation
  • Have your senior loved one wear a hat or use an umbrella when outside, even if they’re not in the direct sun. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater anytime you and your loved one go outside
  • Drink water before outdoor activities and drink water at regular intervals during the day. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcoholic beverages that can aid dehydration. Encourage your aging loved one to drink water frequently; every 15-20 minutes
  • Try to schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day — before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
  • During outdoor activity, take rest breaks frequently. If your loved one has clear, pale urine, they are probably drinking enough fluids
  • If your loved one has a chronic medical problem, talk with their doctor about additional precautions they should take to prevent heat related illness. Some conditions and medications may place seniors at higher risk

 

At Alternatives For Seniors, we’re proud to observe Memorial day as a day to reflect upon the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces, and we’re proud to help serve the seniors in our community nationwide all year around.