Letter to an Elder Day

Letter to an Elder Day is an American holiday designed to relieve loneliness among seniors. This is a great way to visit or just talk to your grandparents. It is annually on February 26.

History

The first Letter to an Elder Day celebration is believed to have taken place in 2020. However, similar actions have been held before. The holiday is a good reason to remember the older generation and write them a letter of love and gratitude. It is especially important for those who are in homes for the elderly. Many of them are forgotten by their relatives.

The founder of the holiday is a man named Jacob Kramer. After his grandfather died, he decided to devote his life to working at a senior center. He was affectionate and friendly, trying to ensure that the elderly living there did not feel lonely. He often saw many of them waiting for relatives to come or send a letter. For this reason, Kramer decided to establish Letter to an Elder Day to correct these injustices.

By 2013, Jacob was able to grow his writing staff to 50,000. All of these people wrote letters to the residents at the center so that they would not feel forgotten and alone.

Interesting facts

• The date of the celebration was chosen for a reason: February 26 is the birthday of Kramer’s grandmother.
• In many countries around the world, life expectancy is projected to increase by 20-30% by 2030, so the demand for homes for the elderly will grow.
• According to statistics, the life expectancy of those who are not left alone in old age is much higher than those who are completely uncared for and left alone, without the support of loved ones.

How to celebrate

Visit your grandparents on Letter to an Elder Day or write them a letter. You can call them by video link or by phone. They will be pleased to receive your attention. You can volunteer for a day at nursing homes to walk with the elderly and care for them.

Spread the word on social media. Ask other users how often they communicate with their grandparents.

When is Letter to an Elder Day in 2025?

Letter to an Elder Day is observed on February 26 each year.

Observations