- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AppreciationElderly
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 3rd Monday of March
- Holiday emoji:
- 👵
Wellderly Day shines a light on the health and vitality of our senior population every third Monday of March. This observance encourages a positive outlook on aging, focusing on the years ahead rather than those past. Engage with initiatives that promote physical and mental well-being, support healthy lifestyles, and celebrate the wisdom of older adults.
Want to sponsor Wellderly Day? Learn how
Expected Wellderly Day Deals
For Wellderly Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful initiatives that support senior health and well-being. Organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) often partner with healthcare providers and community centers to offer free health screenings, wellness workshops, and educational resources. Look for local senior centers hosting open houses or special events promoting active lifestyles. Companies such as AARP may highlight advocacy campaigns for senior care and offer resources for healthy living. Pharmacies like CVS Health and Walgreens might provide discounted flu shots or consultations on medication management. Additionally, many local businesses, from fitness studios to healthy meal delivery services, may offer special promotions or donation-matching programs to benefit senior-focused charities. We will update this page with confirmed live events and campaigns as March approaches.
Platform Guide for Wellderly Day
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WellderlyDay. Share stories of inspiring seniors and resources for healthy aging within your community groups.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WellderlyDay. Post photos or reels celebrating active seniors, healthy recipes, or tips for maintaining well-being.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #WellderlyDay. Share insights on workplace inclusivity for older adults or corporate wellness programs focused on senior employees.
Wellderly Day Hero
Dr. Robert N. Butler
History of Wellderly Day
Wellderly Day is also known as Well-Elderly Day. It was created by Dr. Dale Anderson along with Act Happy Day “to promote the health benefits of happiness, humor, and laughter.”
He believed that one should harness the power of happiness and laughter by starting our days laughing in front of the mirror. He reasoned that this simple practice not only puts a person in a better mood but also stimulates beneficial body processes as well. Dr. Anderson went on to publish a book called “Never Act Your Age,” which talks about how humor and laughter can have many health benefits at any age.
According to the World Health Organization, anyone over the age of 65 is considered elderly, while the United Nations considers anyone over 60 as elderly. Of course, this number has changed throughout the years; if you were 50 years old in 1875, you were considered elderly.
Healthy Aging is a concept introduced by the World Health Organization. It has four main areas of intervention: creating a health system that is more focused on the elderly, developing a health system that delivers long-term and sustainable care services, creating friendly environments for the elderly, and improving the assessment, monitoring, and research of older people’s ailments.
Wellderly Day also encourages seniors to take up a hobby, pursue any passions, and generally do what makes them happy. It is the ideal time to focus on all the interests they may have put off during their working years.
Wellderly Day timeline
Dr. Anderson publishes "Never Act Your Age."
The Active Aging policy framework is developed by the World Health Organization, which looks at formulating action plans that promote healthy and active aging.
Healthy aging replaces the World Health Organization’s focus on active aging.
The number of people aged 60 years and older surpasses one billion.
The World Health Organization releases the Baseline Report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021−2030.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Wellderly Day
Local businesses can honor Wellderly Day by offering services that support senior health and community engagement. Fitness centers might host free senior-specific exercise classes or offer discounted memberships for the week. Pharmacies and health clinics could provide free blood pressure checks or educational seminars on common senior health topics. Restaurants might feature healthy, senior-friendly menu options, while local bookstores or community centers could organize reading groups or workshops tailored for older adults, fostering mental stimulation and social connection.
Wellderly Day FAQs
When is Wellderly Day?
In 2027, Wellderly Day is observed on Monday, March 15, encouraging us to foster positive perceptions of aging. This annual observance highlights proactive steps for a longer, healthier life.
What does 'wellderly' mean?
Coined to highlight healthy seniors, ‘wellderly’ refers to individuals who maintain high levels of functionality and well-being as they age. It’s a concept that promotes longevity and quality of life in later years.
How can I support Wellderly Day?
To celebrate Wellderly Day, focus on fostering intergenerational connections, sharing resources for healthy aging, and challenging ageist attitudes. Participating in community wellness events or supporting initiatives that provide care for seniors are also great ways to contribute.
How many seniors live in the U.S.?
The population of older adults in the U.S. continues to expand, with projections indicating over 73 million people aged 65 and older by 2030. This growth underscores the increasing importance of initiatives like Wellderly Day.
How to Observe Wellderly Day
Start your day like Dr. Anderson suggested
Stand in front of a mirror and let out a long belly laugh before doing anything else. Dr. Anderson claimed that laughing and happiness contribute to physical health. Staying happy helps keep you healthy.
Engage in physical activity
Get physically active and exercise at least five days a week, participating in anything from walking to gardening to dancing. Not only do these keep you healthy, but they also give you a chance to enjoy the outdoors or socialize.
Adopt healthy nutrition habits
Eat a balanced diet that allows you to thrive and function optimally. Plan your meals, and try out new healthy recipes.
5 Interesting Facts About Aging And Health
An increasing population
The world's population of people over 60 years old will nearly double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050.
More elderly than children
In 2020, people aged 60 years and older outnumber children younger than five years old.
Elderly in low- and middle-income countries
By 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
Non-communicable diseases among the elderly
Heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease are the most common non-communicable health conditions for the older population.
Health in older age groups isn’t random
Variations in health can be a reflection of genetic inheritance and physical and social environments.
Why Wellderly Day is Important
It provides a positive spin to getting older
Instead of fearing growing old, this day lets us celebrate the present and the years to come. Growing old is natural and inevitable; instead of trying to shy away from it, it is better to accept it and make the most out of it.
It is about investing in the elderly
Wellderly Day helps to remind the elderly that they can still contribute to their families, to their community, or to society at large. As such, they should also take care of their health.
It's about humor and laughter
Who doesn't love a good joke, laugh, or funny moment? Wellderly Day utilizes these feel-good tactics to celebrate a life well-lived.
Social Media Tips for Wellderly Day
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