Are you thinking about the right location for your aging parents or grandparents? Redlands, CA, is home to a flourishing senior community. In fact, older adults 65 and over comprise 15% of the total population, according to Census Reporter.
As Grandparents Day 2025 rolls around, it's the perfect time to explore Redland's senior-friendly community. This city resides in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities.
Discover senior-minded family activities for Grandparents on this special day.
This holiday is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, making Grandparents Day 2025 land on September 7th. Its origins go back to the 1970s. Marian McQuade, a dedicated senior advocate, recognized the profound, but overlooked, presence of elder grandparents in society.
After observing the mental health struggles that come with aging, like loneliness, McQuade envisioned a national day of recognition to ensure that senior family members remain connected and appreciated in the community. Her years of grassroots organizing eventually culminated in an official proclamation by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.
National Grandparents Day was officially established with three valuable goals in mind:
Grandparents Day is an invitation to bridge generational gaps through storytelling and lasting memories. In such a fast-paced world, this special day encourages Redlands residents to pause and reflect on the enduring legacy of seniors in the community.
Redlands offers a picturesque backdrop for senior social gatherings on Grandparents Day. The close-knit community spirit makes for more familiar holiday events for seniors, whether you're at a cafe for a senior brunch or a picnic at the park.
Redlands is home to a variety of cuisines, especially in the downtown district. For a healthier alternative, plan a senior outing at a cafe or restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients. The fresher the ingredients, the better!
You could also pack a healthy picnic lunch for a day trip to Smiley Park, surrounded by beautiful rose gardens and historic architecture.
Grandparents Day is the opportune time for seniors and families to rediscover Redlands' history and culture. Take senior history buffs to the Lincoln Memorial Shrine for a special glimpse into American history. The San Bernardino County Museum educates seniors and families on the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Always consider senior preferences when planning Grandparents Day outings.
Families should inquire about favorite pastimes on this special day. Sharing memories about gardening could inspire a grandmother to get back into her hobby. Visit a plant nursery to pick up essentials like:
Assist grandparents in making a windowsill garden or planting new plants for the porch.
Encourage consistent reading by visiting the A.K. Smiley Public Library. Avid senior readers can discover new books and old favorites, offering valuable cognitive stimulation. Check to see if the library is offering any free classes that seniors would love, like writing or art.
You could devote this day to strengthening memory health through creating memories and recalling others. Explore locations that hold special significance, like a street where they grew up or a park they frequented when they were young.
Flip through old photo albums to encourage grandparents to reminisce about birthdays, school days, and other special occasions. It's a wonderful opportunity to laugh about the past, as well!
Turn a hobby day into a large family craft project. Create a scrapbook as a family, filling each page with family photos and mementos. Incorporate postcards of Redlands and vintage newspaper clippings about memorable community events.
Decorate a picture frame with nature decor like dried flowers, small pebbles, and twigs from Redlands' natural surroundings.
Create digital documents of your grandparents' history. You could even assemble a time capsule with video interviews, digitized letters, and scanned photos.
As a fun and thoughtful gift, you could assemble a Redlands-themed "Coupon Book" with ideas for future senior-friendly activities in Redlands or even simple tasks around the home.
Food is central in many family celebrations. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, inspiring togetherness. Grandparents Day lands on Sunday, making it the ideal time for a family meal.
Do you want to serve a hearty breakfast or brunch?
Whip up a sunshine citrus hashbrown casserole. This creamy and cheesy hashbrown casserole features a bright hint of locally grown citrus zest. You can also prepare it the day before and bake it fresh in the morning.
You can't go wrong with warm cinnamon rolls with orange glaze. Serve these buttery and gooey breakfast treats with fresh Redlands orange juice.
For your savory dishes, you could serve a Redlands sausage and veggie breakfast casserole. Fill this savory egg bake with sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions from local farmers' markets.
Try a sweet casserole this Grandparents Day, like blueberry French toast casserole with a lemon-maple syrup made with brioche bread from a Redlands bakery.
You could also whip up an easy yet hearty baked oatmeal dish with warm apples and pecans. Apples are in season this time of year in Redlands.
Do you want to opt for a cozy and comforting dinner instead?
Make a classic tender beef pot roast with root vegetables, simmered with carrots, potatoes, and onions. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Shepherd's pie with sweet potato topping can also serve an entire family gathering. Fill this hearty and comforting pie with savory ground meat and top it with a slightly sweet and creamy mashed sweet potato topping.
Similarly, you could bake an old-fashioned chicken pot pie with herb biscuits. Bake your savory pie with a flaky, buttery crust and a creamy chicken filling for a comforting classic.
If this is your first time celebrating Grandparents Day 2025, now's your chance to establish a new tradition. Turn the above ideas into a Sunday itinerary the whole family will cherish.
The caring team at Mission Commons can bring your independent living celebrations to life. Our beautiful community grounds promote relaxation, while common areas can host your gatherings. We also provide an exceptional dining experience tailored to senior wellness.
Join our community today! Contact us to book a tour.