Appreciate Grandparents Day

The Power of Memories: Why Grandparents Are So Important

Reflect with me on Grandparent Appreciation Day and read on for some suggestions of some wellness activities to do together.

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There’s something magical about the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. As we grow up, our grandparents can shape who we are in ways we often don’t realise until we’re older. From sharing their life stories to teaching us their unique wisdom, the memories we make with our grandparents stay with us forever. They offer us a glimpse into the past, with stories that connect us to family traditions, and moments of love that remind us of what truly matters. Thinking about my grandmother in particular, she was a natural story teller and would love nothing more than to tell her 80 years of tales to a captive audience. The art of story telling surely is one that is unique to older generations, to the folk who grew up without the distractions of social media and television that make such a huge part of every day life.

A Lifelong Support System for the Whole Family

But grandparents don’t just have a powerful impact on us when we’re young—they also play a crucial role in supporting their children. Today, grandparents are often the backbone of childcare for many families, offering a helping hand when it comes to raising the next generation. From school pickups to weekend playdates, their involvement is a lifeline for many parents trying to juggle busy lives. Their support is a reminder that family is a team effort, and no one does it better than grandparents when it comes to lending a hand with love, patience, and wisdom.

Cherishing Time Together: Gentle Activities to Enjoy with Elderly Grandparents

As our grandparents age, it’s important to continue creating moments of connection, even if the pace of life slows down a little. Spending time together can be as simple as:

•  Taking a slow walk in the park: A gentle stroll is a wonderful way to share time, soak in nature, and have a meaningful conversation. If a stroll is too much, you can drive to a scenic spot, take some cushions and find a good bench. (Home made cake is a bonus)
• Sharing family stories: Sit down with old photo albums and let your grandparents share the stories behind the pictures. This is a way to not only learn about your family history but also make them feel valued.
• Cooking together: Baking a favourite family recipe can be a soothing, enjoyable activity that brings generations together through the love of food.
• Puzzle-solving: These quieter activities are great for keeping minds active and sharing companionship in a relaxed setting.
• Gardening: If your grandparents love the outdoors, planting flowers or herbs can be a calming, low-impact way to spend time together.
• Birdwatching: Make a comfy nook by a window, get a blanket and a comforting drink. To go all in, upgrade with binoculars and a bird book. 

Thoughtful Self-Care Gifts for Grandparents

As grandparents age, taking care of their health and well-being becomes even more important. A thoughtful way to show appreciation is through self-care items designed to help them feel their best. With so many Drs appointments and check ups - their exterior is often neglected but it's still very much a part of their health. Consider these soothing, gentle gifts that they’re sure to love:

• Magnesium Balm: Magnesium is perfect for easing muscle tension and supporting restful sleep—ideal for anyone who may experience discomfort or stiffness.
• Skincare: Dry skin is a common concern for older generations, especially in colder weather. Our Wild Venus cleansing balms, serums and face creams are packed with nourishing oils and hydrating ingredients. These are a great way to help maintain soft, moisturised skin and feel pampered.
• Handmade Soy Wax Melts: A cozy, relaxing atmosphere is one of the best gifts you can give. A safer alternative to a candle, you can plug in an electric wax warmer and let the wax melt do its magic without the need for any flames. 
• Face masks: this is a lovely self care activity to do together! Pick up some easy ingredients from your local greengrocers and make your own DIY face mask together. 
• Nail polish: a simple thing like putting some nail polish on or helping curl the hair can go a long way to make a person feel special when they're unable to do these things themselves. 
• Bath bombs - the Herb Garden and Calm & Chill ones in particular helps calm restless legs. Many older people dont take baths due to mobility, but a lovely foot soak is a great alternative.

Appreciation in Every Moment

I had wonderful relationships with my grandparents and in particular my nan is greatly missed, I do regret not spending more time with her and I could have 100% picked up the phone more often. She enjoyed having her hair done often, putting a bit of lippy on and would always be grateful for a foot rub!

For a short time about 10 years ago or so, I volunteered in a care home and it was clear how much physical touch meant to these people, just a squeeze of the hand or comb of the hair was somehing quite special.

Of course I'm talking generally and am drawing on my own experience as well as what I think grandparent - child - grandchild relationship looks like to many. I'm aware that there are many people who don't have this kind of relationship or support in their life.

But if you do, I think that it’s easy to take the role grandparents play for granted, but when we pause to reflect on their influence, we realise how deeply they shape our lives. From their quiet support to their love that spans generations, grandparents are true pillars of strength and joy. Taking the time to appreciate them and nurture that bond is a gift not only to them but to ourselves as well.

Feel free to share your thoughts about your relationship with your grandparents or your children's relationships with your parents as well as the kind of self care activities they enjoy.

 Top photo: Here's a snapshot from Christmas Day around 5 years ago, that's nan in the middle, looking very content and possible a couple of sherries in. She was surprisingly good at board games and my only true competitor within the family!