August 25, 2026 - 165 views
International Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to celebrate older people and the enormous contribution they continue to make to our communities – but perhaps it is also a reminder to simply slow down and listen.
The annual day, marked on 21 August, was established by the United Nations to highlight the contributions of older people, raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges associated with ageing, and promote the importance of dignity, wellbeing and inclusion in later life.
For Bayside Radio, it was an opportunity to do just that.
We visited Southern Care Home in Abergele, where residents were marking the occasion with an afternoon of activities, conversation and, naturally, plenty of tea and cake.
There was fresh lemonade, afternoon tea and opportunities for residents, relatives and staff to spend time together.
But behind the celebrations was something arguably even more important – connection.
Care Coordinator Ashley Howard explained how activities such as themed days can give residents something to look forward to while helping support their mental and physical wellbeing.
And when you start talking to the residents, it quickly becomes clear that every person has a story to tell.
During our visit, we heard memories of travelling the world, growing up in North Wales, family experiences and some of the major events that have shaped people's lives.
There were also stories of mountains and adventure, including memories of climbing Snowdon, while some recollections offered a poignant reminder of how closely the lives of today's older generation are connected to the defining events of the 20th century.
But the conversations weren't simply about looking backwards.
The residents also had plenty of advice for those of us who are still making our way through life – and one message in particular stood out: don't underestimate the value of talking to people and maintaining human connection.
That might sound simple, but loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on older people's health and wellbeing. Days such as International Senior Citizens Day provide an opportunity to think about how communities can make sure older people remain involved, valued and heard.
And perhaps that's what makes a visit like this so special.
It's not simply about celebrating someone's age. It's about celebrating the life behind the age – the places they've been, the people they've known, the challenges they've overcome, the things they've achieved and the memories they have accumulated along the way.
Our presenter Jasmine spent time speaking with residents and staff at Southern Care Home, capturing some of those stories and discovering their advice for the rest of us.
We've deliberately left plenty of those conversations for the podcast because, quite simply, they're much better heard directly from the people themselves.
So take a little time, make yourself a cup of tea and have a listen.
You might hear a story that makes you smile, a memory that takes you back, or perhaps a little piece of advice worth carrying with you.
And if there's one message we can take from International Senior Citizens Day, perhaps it's this:
Keep talking. Keep listening. Keep smiling. And never underestimate the value of spending time with another person.
A huge thank you to Ashley, the team at Southern Care Home and all the residents who welcomed Bayside Radio and shared their stories and memories with us.
Happy International Senior Citizens Day from everyone at Bayside Radio.
