National Activity Professionals Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Career Elderly
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: 4th Friday of January
Holiday emoji:: 🧑‍⚕️

National Activity Professionals Day is observed every fourth Friday in January, recognizing the dedicated individuals who enhance the quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities. These professionals design engaging programs, fostering well-being and connection. Take time to thank an activity professional, share their stories, and advocate for their vital work.

Deals
Platforms
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Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected National Activity Professionals Day Deals

While direct sales promotions are less common, National Activity Professionals Day is a prime time for appreciation programs and corporate support. Many senior living communities, like Sunrise Senior Living and Brookdale Senior Living, often host internal recognition events, offering special meals or gift cards to their activity teams. Companies providing activity supplies, such as S&S Worldwide or Therapy Shoppe, may offer discounts on educational materials or activity kits for facilities. Local businesses, from florists to restaurants, might provide special offers for activity professionals with valid ID. Non-profits like the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) often highlight member benefits or offer professional development grants. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 23 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Activity Professionals Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ActivityProfessionalsDay. Share stories of impact or highlight outstanding professionals.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #ActivityProfessionalsDay. Tweet about the importance of engaging activities in elder care.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ActivityProfessionalsDay. Post photos or videos showcasing creative activities in senior living.

National Activity Professionals Day Hero

Florence Stattel

Florence Stattel is widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of therapeutic recreation and activity services for the elderly. Her groundbreaking work in the mid-20th century helped establish the importance of engaging activities in nursing homes, shifting the focus from mere custodial care to holistic well-being. Stattel's advocacy and innovative approaches laid the foundation for the modern activity professional role, emphasizing purposeful engagement to improve residents' quality of life.

History of National Activity Professionals Day

National Activity Professionals Day is the day to celebrate all activity coordinators and social care practitioners’ creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to empowering care home residents across the country to live the richest and fullest lives possible. Activities professionals make a difference every day in residents’ and their families’ lives by planning games and social events and assisting care teams.

National Activity Professionals Day was founded by the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP), the only organization exclusively representing activity professionals in geriatric settings. In 1980, activity associations across the nation were surveyed to determine if they needed a national association. As a result of the survey, NAAP was formed with a small, dedicated group of activity professionals. In a few years, NAAP grew largely, and Sister Pat Murphy was elected as the first president. To appreciate and honor the significant role they play in enriching the lives of individuals entrusted to their care, NAAP created National Activity Professionals Day. The first National Activity Professionals Day was celebrated in 1984.

Later, NAAP expanded the celebration to a week of celebration. Today, NAAP celebrates it as a National Activity Professionals Week that is a seven-day long celebration to foster and showcase the wonderful things that activity professionals create. So, on this National Activity Professionals Day, let us acknowledge and thank them for all the great work they do to enrich the lives of others.

National Activity Professionals Day timeline

1980

A National Survey

Activity associations across the nation are surveyed to determine if there’s any interest in forming a national association.

1981

The Birth of NAAP

NAAP is created with a group of 20 activity professionals from 11 states.

1982

The First Political Action Campaign

NAAP begins its first political campaign against threatened federal deregulation of activities and long-term care.

1984

The First National Activity Professionals Day

The First National Activity Professionals Day is celebrated on January 27, 1984.

National Activity Professionals Day FAQs

When is National Activity Professionals Day?

In 2027, National Activity Professionals Day is observed on Friday, January 22. It’s a key date to celebrate those who bring joy and engagement to long-term care residents.

How many activity professionals are there in the U.S.?

The demand for skilled activity professionals continues to grow, with a workforce of tens of thousands dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities nationwide.

What is the primary goal of an Activity Professional?

Activity Professionals aim to create a vibrant and stimulating environment in care settings, designing personalized programs that cater to individual interests and abilities, thereby improving overall quality of life.

What kinds of activities do Activity Professionals organize?

From reminiscence therapy and intergenerational programs to virtual reality experiences and pet therapy, these professionals develop innovative activities that stimulate minds, encourage movement, and foster social interaction among residents.

How to Observe National Activity Professionals Day

Thank them
Celebrate National Activity Professionals Day and thank activity professionals for their contribution wholeheartedly! They’ll appreciate it.
Plan a fun trip
Take an activity professional out for a fun trip. Treat them to pizza or enjoy a bowling game at your local bowling alley — anything fun to show your appreciation.
Host an award ceremony
You can organize an award ceremony for the activity professionals in your life. Honor them in front of residents and family members.

5 Interesting Facts About Activity Professionals And Elders

More than bingo
Most people think that bingo is the only game played at a nursing home, but numerous activities are offered to meet the residents’ needs, including music, excursions, art therapy, workouts, and more.
Specialized eldercare is on the rise
The need for specialized eldercare is on the rise in the United States as studies show that Alzheimer’s and dementia will nearly triple to 14 million by the year 2050.
Give them some activity
By age 75, about one in three men and one in two women don’t get any physical activity or any activity — the special care given to them by activity professionals is important.
Staying active works
Staying active in old age can lower the risk of developing or help manage health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis.
The caregiver in your family
There are more than 66 million caregivers in the United States — this roughly equates to over 30% of all U.S. households having a caregiver present in the family.

Why National Activity Professionals Day is Important

It’s a day to honor unsung heroes
Most people think that the work of activity professionals is just organizing fun events all day. But they do more than that and work tirelessly to keep the residents engaged. This is the day to honor them.
It inspires the world to be better
National Activity Professionals Day appreciates and highlights the effort and selfless work these people do to improve others’ lives. This inspires others to make this world a better place.
It’s a day to spread happiness
This day recognizes the activity professionals across the country and their work, spreads happiness, and provides the motivation to continue their work.