The COVID-19 epidemic has hit Georgia extremely hard, especially in the metro Atlanta area. Most parks have canceled public gatherings, and there will be no July 4 celebration at Wills Park this year. The dearth of large, traditional Independence Day gatherings doesn’t have to destroy your festive spirit, though. Here are some senior activities to help you celebrate the holiday while staying safe.
Virtual Events with Family
If you’re still in lockdown or your family does not live nearby, the most painful change this Independence Day may be celebrating without those you love most. That doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Gather for a virtual family cocktail hour, storytime with the grandkids, or even family movie night via Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Facebook Messenger. It can take time to get used to video gatherings, so plan a test session before the big day.
A Homemade Gourmet Meal
The holiday is a perfect time to go all out, cooking your favorite food, decorating your kitchen table like a fine restaurant, and putting on your favorite music to accompany the meal. Plan a movie with your sweetie afterward for a perfect date night, then doze off with a bottle of wine or box of chocolates.
Don’t love cooking but still want great food? Arbor offers fine dining in a posh setting, without all the hassle and planning that preparing your own meals demands.
Patriotic Storytelling
Every family has at least one patriotic hero — whether it’s the person who marched in civil rights protests, the veteran who put their life on the line to defend our nation, or the volunteer quietly working to lift children out of poverty. Get in touch with everyone in your family who has a patriotic story to tell. Then memorialize it forever in a book, on a blog, or through a video. These stories matter and will inspire the next generation of world changers.
Low-Key Outdoor Picnic
An outdoor picnic is one of the best senior activities for the Fourth of July. The City of Alpharetta is home to plenty of amazing parks. Pack some sandwiches and a card game or a ball to throw with the grandkids. Then find a shady spot and relax. Be sure to take a few family photos to document your quarantine Independence Day. Wills Park is a great bet. The usual home to Alpharetta’s fireworks display, it also boasts a large playground, plenty of walking trails, and some shady spots to take a quick outdoor nap.
Virtual Concerts
For many families, the music that accompanies Independence Day fireworks is a huge draw. You might not be able to go to a concert this year. The concert can come to you instead. Artists across the nation are rallying together to put together virtual concerts. Georgia natives the Indigo Girls have posted several live home concerts on their Facebook page. Fans say they’ll likely post one for Independence Day. Philadelphia’s annual Wawa Welcome America concert will be completely virtual this year. The Boston Pops will also host a live Independence Day virtual concert.
Senior Living Community Options
Living in a senior living community is like quarantining together with a group of people you really like. Many communities offer special July 4 events designed to keep people safe while encouraging social engagement and meaningful connection. Arbor has served seniors for more than 30 years, and will continue to do so through the COVID crisis and beyond. To learn more about what our communities offer, for retirement and aging advice, and for tips to help you choose the ideal senior living community, subscribe to our blog.
