On August 9, 1956, 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, determined to make their voices heard. To remember their sacrifice, the month of August is dedicated to celebrating the valuable contributions of women to our society and country. So, how can you celebrate Women’s Day with the important women in your life?

When planning an activity, consider everyone’s physical, cognitive and emotional limitations. Don’t take your friend with limited mobility on a steep hike, and don’t take your aunt struggling with dementia to a noisy restaurant or a crowded mall. Instead, with the theme of Women’s Day in mind, consider a more tailored activity that everyone can enjoy:

A night at the movies

You don’t need a crowded cinema to enjoy a good movie. All you need is a large TV with comfy chairs or, if the weather permits, a white sheet and a projector with some comfy lawn chairs. Blankets and cushions on the ground make great photos, but getting up from the ground with sore knees or a bad back will spoil the fun, so opt for comfort and safety. Find a movie with a strong female lead, there are hundreds to choose from from from from from from from, add popcorn, and let the fun begin!

Have a girl’s day

Spending time with friends is always fun, and nothing beats a spa day for a proper pampering session. If travelling isn’t possible, book a mobile spa to come to you and enjoy all the pampering with your favourite girls without leaving the comfort of home. Get some snacks and make time to catch up with friends of all ages without work, children, and spouses demanding attention.

Get crafty

Crafting is a great activity for seniors with limited mobility who still want to socialize and a good way to keep those fine motor skills sharp, so gather up some crafting supplies, snacks and all the expert crafters for a day of creativity. Relive good memories with scrapbooking, learn a new skill, like lacing, or pick up some hacks from experienced crafters!

Time for tea

If high tea is good enough for the Queen, then why not treat the special older ladies in your life by hosting a proper tea party with delicious sandwiches, biscuits and cakes served on your best porcelain? Get the ladies talking about world affairs, their favourite books, or the latest Hollywood gossip, sit back and absorb the wisdom.

A night out

Seniors who spend a lot of time at home after retirement are at risk of feeling isolated and lonely, so a night out is always welcome. Find a cosy restaurant or a live performance from one of her favourite entertainers. Theatre companies will often have tribute shows to the greats, like Abba or Neil Diamond, so dress up a little and enjoy a night out among the stars.

Listen to her story

Take the time to sit down with a nice cup of tea and ask a special older lady to tell you her story – whether she is your mother, your elderly neighbour, your aunt, or the librarian you see every week. Women are resilient, resourceful and can move mountains without asking for anything in return. While not every woman is a Hedy Lamarr, Miriam Makeba, or Helen Joseph, every woman has a remarkable story to tell.       

Conclusion

Women have been the driving force behind some of the greatest social changes in history, and they make a difference every day but are often overlooked or underestimated. With August dedicated to women, it’s a great time to show the older woman in your life just how much you appreciate her.