Day of Older Persons activity

Activity Title: Letters of a Lifetime: A Poetry Workshop

Activity Overview

In honor of the International Day of Older Persons, this activity invites residents to reflect on their life experiences and share their wisdom. Participants will write a free verse poem structured as a letter to a younger person in their life, such as a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or younger sibling. This creative writing workshop focuses on expression and connection, allowing residents to create a meaningful keepsake or a heartfelt message to share with their loved ones.

Purpose of the Activity

This activity is designed to provide residents with a meaningful way to celebrate their lives and legacies. The primary goals are:
- To stimulate cognitive function through creative thinking and writing.
- To encourage emotional expression and personal reflection.
- To foster a sense of purpose and value by sharing life lessons.
- To strengthen intergenerational family bonds.
- To provide a supportive and engaging social opportunity for residents to connect with their peers.

Materials Needed

- High-quality stationery or decorative paper for the final poems
- Plain paper for drafting
- Matching envelopes
- A variety of smooth-writing pens (black, blue, etc.)
- Pencils and erasers
- A whiteboard or a large paper easel pad
- Dry-erase markers or large-format markers
- A few examples of simple free verse poems (optional)
- Light, instrumental background music (optional)
- Refreshments like coffee, tea, and cookies (optional)