Letter to an Elder Day

Letter to an Elder Day is an American holiday designed to help relieve loneliness among seniors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to visit or simply connect with your grandparents. The holiday is observed annually on February 26.

History

The first official celebration of Letter to an Elder Day is believed to have taken place in 2020, though similar actions have happened before. This holiday serves as a reminder to appreciate the older generation by writing them a letter filled with love and gratitude, especially for those living in nursing homes who may feel forgotten by their families.

The holiday was founded by Jacob Kramer. After the loss of his grandfather, Kramer dedicated himself to working at a senior center. He was caring and friendly, always trying to ensure that the elderly residents did not feel alone. He often noticed how many of them eagerly waited for visits or letters from loved ones. This inspired him to establish Letter to an Elder Day to address these injustices.

By 2013, Kramer had grown his team of letter writers to 50,000, with all of them sending heartfelt messages to seniors to help them feel remembered and cherished.

Interesting Facts

• The date was chosen for a special reason: February 26 is the birthday of Kramer’s grandmother.
• In many countries, life expectancy is projected to increase by 20–30% by 2030, which means the demand for nursing homes will grow.
• Statistics show that people who are not left alone in old age tend to live significantly longer than those who are isolated without support from loved ones.

How to Take Part

On Letter to an Elder Day, visit your grandparents or write them a letter. You can also call them by video or phone—any form of contact will brighten their day. Consider volunteering at a nursing home to spend time with elderly residents and offer companionship.

Share information about the holiday on social media. Ask others how often they connect with their grandparents or elderly loved ones.

When is Letter to an Elder Day in 2026?

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

Observations