There is a lot to Celebrate on October 1, 2012

“Canada’s seniors dedicated their lives to our country — they deserve our thanks as they continue to be influential mentors and leaders in our communities.”  

- Alice Wong, MP

At 23-years-old, I fight an internal battle and force myself to go for a run. At 102-years-old, Margaret Dunning of Michigan jumps at the opportunity to change the oil on her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster. Torontonian Ida Herbert, 96, rises at 5:30 a.m. every morning to perform her regular routine of yoga poses. Is there a problem with this picture? Yes. I clearly need to readjust my attitude.

Every day we rise to a new occasion, to another day, to another challenge. But this October 1^st brings something new to celebrate: National Seniors Day and International Day of Older Adults. A day for all Canadians to honour, appreciate and celebrate those individuals 65+. The Government of Canada states that the “establishment of National Seniors Day builds on the many concrete measures introduced by the Government to improve the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors.”

To help acknowledge and celebrate this day, CARP, the advocacy association that works to promote and protect the interests, rights and quality of life for Canadians as they age, will be raising their flag at Toronto City Hall.

So, what will you do to commemorate this day? Will you call up your grandmother or reach out to an older, but wiser, family friend? Maybe engage in an activity of your mom or dad’s choosing. Or, celebrate the comfort of knowing you are altogether and reminisce on what times were once like to the way they are today. There is much to be thankful for, and it can be recognized in more ways than one!