Despite February being the shortest month of the year, it can sometimes feel like a very long stretch for seniors when spring is still far away. Here are five ways to enjoy this month even if the weather is colder and drearier than we’d like!
Be kind
February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, a day to “recognize, celebrate, and encourage kind acts across the globe.” The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation* wants to make kindness the norm at home, at work, and in schools. It offers suggestions on how to be kind, including leaving a note of thanks for your mail carrier. Being kind is also wonderful for your health, with several studies demonstrating that do-gooders are healthier.
Be heart healthy
February is Heart and Stroke Month, and Canada’s Heart & Stroke Foundation wants to remind you that since the onset of COVID-19, it’s even more important to take care of your heart. The disease can be much more serious for people with chronic conditions and can affect healthy hearts. Eating healthfully and staying active are proven ways to take care of your heart; the Foundation also recommends learning how to do CPR*.
Be family friendly
Most provinces observe Family Day the third Monday of February. It’s an opportunity to get together with your loved ones, and many cities and towns host a number of special events. You can also plan your own fun, inviting family over for hot chocolate and cookies, or ask each of your family members to bring their favourite family photo—you’re bound to stimulate some great stories and memories.
Be loving
Even if you’re not in a romantic relationship, or have lost a spouse, February 14, Valentine’s Day, is a wonderful time to honour those who give us love and friendship. Make a point of connecting with friends for a coffee or dinner, or send flowers to a special person. Know that being socially connected is actually good for your health, including lowering blood pressure.
Be vocal
You may not know that February 21 is International Mother Language Day*, established by the UN in 1999 to recognize and celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity. The agency says that over 43 per cent of the estimated 6,000 global languages are at risk of disappearing. If your mother tongue isn’t English, think about sharing your language with others on this day, and celebrate your heritage with a special dish or drink.
Chartwell retirement residences are social, active and fulfilling places to call home, most especially during socially isolating months when it may be difficult to visit with family and friends due to imclement weather, or attend activities in your neighbourhood. Our built-in community of residents and staff, plus our many social, leisure and entertainment-based activities on offer, provide natural ways to connect on your own terms, with opportunities available on your very doorstep. Explore our lifestyle today on chartwell.com.
*The following sources provide references for this blog, in order of appearance:
- Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. "Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th!", Online: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
- Heart&Stroke. "CPR training", Online: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/learn-cpr
- United Nations. "International Mother Language Day 21 February", Online: https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day