Letter to an Elder Day 2024 (US): National Letter to an Elder Day is observed on February 26 by writing a handwritten letter of affection to an elder. The nonprofit organization Love for Our Elders, whose goal is to reduce loneliness among senior communities through the expression of affection, established National Letter to an Elder Day. This day occurs annually to celebrate the craft of letter-writing as a means of conveying affection through individual letters.
Letter to an Elder Day History
One handwritten letter possesses the capacity to alter the course of an individual’s day, week, month, or even existence. It facilitates effective communication and fosters the development of relationships. Every individual is entitled to feel valued, and Love for Our Elders’ volunteers first observed Letter to an Elder Day in 2020 to promote intergenerational connections and letter writing after the holiday season, which can be especially isolating for elders.
A grandson and a young child founded Love for Our Elders. In remembrance of his grandfather, Jacob Cramer initiated a volunteer program at a nearby senior living community. He was affectionately nicknamed “Bingo Boy” due to his vivacious and entertaining manner of narrating the community’s bingo game, which he is certain to clarify was a considerably contentious affair. During his volunteer work, he observed that a significant number of the residents received few visits or communications from loved ones and that loneliness was a persistent and constant issue.
As a result, he resolved to compose letters of affection for senior communities; his nickname rapidly evolved from Bingo Boy to Letter Boy. Eventually, inspired by the grace and affection he discovered in his senior community friendships, he resolved to expand his letter-writing endeavors internationally. Jacob established a non-profit organization that encouraged individuals to compose letters to seniors (or anyone else who is older and in need) and facilitated delivery to seniors around the globe.
Jacob and his team have amassed an army of over 50,000 letter writers from around the globe since 2013. They expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to collect video messages of encouragement, love, and hope, to engage individuals, classrooms, and businesses, and to generate public awareness.
In observance of National Letter to an Elder Day, which falls on February 26, the date also happens to be Jacob’s grandmother Doris’s birthday.
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FAQs for Letters to an Elder Day
What should an elder receive in a letter?
Consider what you would prefer to see in a letter! Send encouraging words, tell jokes, discuss yourself, pose queries, or engage in other creative activities. The connection itself is what matters most. For more, please visit loveforourelders.org.
What is required to compose a guardian letter?
Writing a handwritten letter to an elder requires only paper, a pen, an envelope, and a postage stamp, which is a pleasant aspect. An individual’s day can be brightened with the assistance of these four straightforward actions. Determine their address through other family members or participate in a letter-writing initiative such as Love for Our Elders. For more, please visit loveforourelders.org.
How does one demonstrate affection for elders?
There are innumerable methods by which one can demonstrate affection towards elderly individuals. In addition to writing them a letter, other considerate gestures include visiting them, telephoning (or Facetime, if they are technologically inclined), and offering assistance with household chores. Simply demonstrating affection and delight through acts of kindness is always the most effective method to express love. For more, please visit loveforourelders.org.
Letter to an Elder Day 2024 (US) Activities
Engage in a letter-writing initiative
On February 26th, the simplest and possibly most effective method to participate is to send a letter to an elder in support of Love for Our Elders. We assure you that this straightforward yet impactful strategy will leave you eager to discover additional methods to assist.
Host a party to write letters.
A small group of people coming together to complete a task is unparalleled, and organizing a letter-writing party can be of great assistance to both you and the elderly to whom you are writing.
Interact with the Elders Throughout Your Life
Although letter writing may not be your forte, that should not dissuade you from participating in the observance of our elders. You can share a video, pay a visit, or even place a voicemail (you know, senior citizens also have smartphones). Simply reaching out is what matters!
LETTER TO AN ELDER DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 26 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 26 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 26 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 26 | Saturday |
