Celebrating seniors: International Day of Older Persons with Mama Ibado Charity

Every year, October 1st marks the International Day of Older Persons, a global occasion to honor the elderly, celebrate their contributions, and advocate for their well-being. At Mama Ibado Charity (MIC), this day holds special significance as we reaffirm our commitment to improving the lives of seniors in our communities.

This year was no different, but our teams decided to up the stakes by creating unique, thoughtful celebrations at our Isiolo and Kakamega branches. The day coincided with our regular food distribution exercise, which allowed us to combine festivities with practical support; making it truly memorable for the seniors we serve.

Personalized Celebrations in Isiolo

The Isiolo team chose a personalized and heartfelt approach for the seniors who walked into the distribution center.

• Seniors were welcomed with a warm cup of tea, providing an opportunity to share smiles, stories, and laughter.
• To complement their usual food rations, the team added leafy greens, recognizing the importance of nutrition in enhancing their overall health.

This intimate, thoughtful gesture made the seniors feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Meanwhile, the Kakamega team infused the day with creativity and joy, turning the distribution exercise into a lively celebration.

• Responding to feedback from seniors, the team added soap packets to the food rations, addressing a practical need that many had highlighted.
• To make the day extra special, each senior was presented with a rose—a simple yet profound token of appreciation and love. That had all seniors over the moon with this gesture.

The festive atmosphere created a party-like mood, with seniors leaving not just with essentials but also with big smiles and cherished memories.

For Mama Ibado Charity, the International Day of Older Persons is more than just a day of festivities. It’s a moment to:

• Celebrate Seniors: Honoring their wisdom, resilience, and contributions to their families and communities.
• Create Awareness: Highlighting the importance of bringing care in all its forms to the elderly, from healthcare and nutrition to emotional support.
• Recognize Caregivers: Acknowledging the invaluable role of those who dedicate their time and effort to caring for senior citizens.
• Advocate for Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships and systemic changes that improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring no one is left behind.

As we reflect on this year’s celebrations, we are reminded of the power of small acts of kindness and thoughtful gestures in transforming lives. But the work doesn’t stop here.

At Mama Ibado Charity, we remain committed to championing the rights and well-being of seniors. We invite everyone partners, donors, and community members to join us in advocating for policies, programs, and collaborations that support our elderly population.