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BC Seniors and Literacy

Some suggested activities for the International Year of Older Persons

Invite grandparents to your daycare centre or school to share a story about their childhood or to read favourite childhood poems or stories.

Develop a “Book of Grandparent Treasures” in which children can place pictures, photos, recipes or other things that are meaningful to their grandparents.

Hold a contest for the best story, poem, poster or play about the importance of grandparents or other older persons in young children’s lives.

Invite older students to put up a “Wall of Fame” of seniors in their families, school, community or elsewhere whom they admire for making a difference by speaking their mind, achieving great things or contributing something special to society.

Ask students to work with seniors on an oral history project. Young people can record interviews asking about the traditions, history and lifestyles of previous generations and the changes seniors have witnessed in their lives.

Encourage teachers to discuss aging issues (independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, dignity) and invite older people to visit the school to talk to youth about these issues.

Invite students to share their knowledge and skills with seniors (navigating the Internet, or using computers).

Prepare a seniors’ book (recipes, crafts, old photo or story book) and sell it to raise money for a local seniors’ charity.

Organize a sidewalk art festival/theatrical/musical event with a senior theme.

Invite seniors to create a “Then and Now” community mural depicting important times in their lives as well as exciting and important activities in which they are currently involved. Highlight their contribution to the community.

Prepare a family tree. Include your own special family traditions and the story behind them.

Develop a family time capsule. Include items that are important to each family member, including grandparents and senior relatives. The capsule could be opened on a future International Day for Older Persons (October 1).

Have all family members contribute to the planning of a special family event, such as a holiday celebration or meal where seniors are honoured.

Organize a community walk to emphasize the health benefits of physical activity for children, parents and seniors. Invite local dignitaries and serve snacks and refreshments afterward.

Organize a special event to highlight seniors’ diversity, talents, skills, resources, knowledge or contributions to your community.

Hold a community information session (involving local health professionals and/or community service providers and seniors) to discuss the implications of Canada’s aging society for community services, programs and community life in general.

From International Year of Older Persons website: http://iyop-aipa.ic.gc.ca.