Honoring the Legacy of Grandparents: Celebrating Grandparents Day in Manalapan, NJ

September 7, 2025, marks this year’s National Grandparents Day. Falling on the first Sunday after Labor Day, it’s an opportunity to reflect and honor grandparents and the legacy they have built over the years. National Grandparents Day was founded in 1979 as a family day to help grandchildren understand the wealth of knowledge older adults can offer. 

Although National Grandparents Day may look different today than it did in the late ‘70s, the sentiment remains the same–a day to acknowledge and celebrate the relationships between generations.

Why Family Support and Social Connections Are Important for Older Adults

Family support is crucial for seniors, especially those in senior living communities that offer assisted living and memory care options. Strong relationships offer numerous health benefits for older adults. In addition to supporting a longer life expectancy, these connections help seniors better manage chronic illnesses and make healthier lifestyle choices. Below are some of the impacts that these relationships have:

1. Increased Longevity

Family engagement is a supportive tool in helping your loved one lead a long and fulfilled life.  By reducing stress, offering a sense of purpose through family bonds, and shaping a positive outlook, you are helping their quality of life remain high. Building and fostering this relationship is key when it comes to the happiness and well-being of your loved one.

2. Better Mental Health

Seniors who have good relationships with family members are shown to have improved mental health compared to those who lack connections. Family support can also help promote emotional support, ultimately reducing the risk of feelings such as depression and loneliness. 

3. Stronger Immune System and Physical Health

Studies have shown that older adults reap physical health benefits by having good relationships with family members. These benefits include a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, faster healing, and increased physical activity, all supported by the care and encouragement from family members. 

4. Improved Brain Functionality

Older adults who are connected socially have shown better brain health compared to those who don’t form social connections. Research has shown a link between older adults who regularly engage in social activities tend to have stronger cognitive skills and better memory. 

Preserving the Legacy Through Storytelling and Memories

While caring for your parent or loved one, your love and support go beyond physical and emotional benefits. You become a key advocate for them, in whatever stage of life they are in. 

As our loved ones age, it’s important to continue making memories. Continuing to share new experiences together strengthens the bond between you and your loved one. This can improve things such as mood and feelings of self-worth.

Listening to stories is another way to nourish this relationship. Allowing your loved one to reminisce about memories gives them comfort and a sense of pride in passing down this knowledge to the next generation. 

Family support can help aging parents and loved ones jumpstart their social life and community involvement. This can be done through helping them make new friends, participate in community workshops or activities, and maintain that sense of identity and belonging despite being in an assisted living or memory care space.

Make This Grandparents Day Special

Grandparents are like treasure chests. They are filled with timeless stories and memories that have spanned your lifetime and beyond. Here are a few ways to make this year’s holiday memorable for your loved one through family engagement.

1. Visit Springpoint Living at Manalapan in Manalapan, NJ: Take a weekend or day trip to visit your loved one this Grandparents Day. Participate in one of our special Grandparents Day activities within the community, or bring a beloved game or tradition to them.
2. Enjoy a Meal or Picnic Together: Food is a wonderful way to connect generations. From sharing family recipes to eating a unique dish to telling stories of holidays in the past, there is always something that can be shared 
3. Sharing the Stories of a Lifetime: Memories have the ability to live on even after we leave this life. Listening to loved ones share stories is a way to connect on a deeper level and generationally understand each other.
4. Celebrate Virtually: Coordinate a time to have a video call on September 7 during one of the planned community activities.
5. Send a Card or Homemade Gift: If you’re not able to hand-deliver a gift, plan a time with grandchildren to make a handwritten card or craft project that can be sent to your loved one.

Whether your loved one is a current resident or you’re looking for the next step, Springpoint Living at Manalapan is committed to making their experience enjoyable and comfortable through assisted living options, memory care, wellness programs, and more.
Interested in learning more about what services we offer? Contact us today to learn more about life at Springpoint Living at Manalapan and how we can help meet you and your loved ones’ needs.