Make Someone Smile: The Power of Simple Acts of Kindness

18 May, 2023  ·  Less than a minute read

What’s the best way to make someone smile?


May is National Smile Month, an opportunity to celebrate the power of a smile and spread joy to those we care about. From holding the door open to buying a coffee for a stranger, small gestures can have a huge and lasting impact. 


Read on to explore the power of simple acts of kindness, and how they can brighten an older adult’s day:

Make Someone Smile: A care worker lending a senior a helping hand

Make Someone Smile: Give a Compliment

Making your elderly loved one smile can be as simple as giving them a heartfelt compliment.


When you see them, take a moment to notice something positive about them and express it. It could be their outfit, their hair, or their smile. You can also acknowledge something they have done well or express gratitude for something they have done for you. 


By focusing on the good and offering genuine compliments, you can lift your elderly loved one’s spirits and brighten their day. 

Make Someone Smile: A elderly woman smiling

Make Someone Smile: Acts of Service

Never underestimate the value of a kind action!


From assisting with household chores and running errands to cooking their favourite meal, random acts of service are a brilliant way to make someone smile. 


Elderly individuals, in particular, may value practical assistance and care from their loved ones. Demonstrating your willingness to help through offering your time and support can have a significant impact on how the older person feels, making them feel cared for and loved.


Or, if your elderly loved one is residing at our care home, why not swing by for a surprise visit? This is a guaranteed way to brighten their day!

Make Someone Smile: A younger man helping an older man with shopping

Make Someone Smile: Listen to Them

Taking the time to listen to an older adult can really make a difference.


At CHD Living, we ensure that every resident in our care receives one-to-one support and care. Whether that’s a catch-up over a cup of tea or engaging in an activity together, it’s vital that our residents feel safe and supported at all times.


If you’re visiting a loved one at a care home, we encourage you to sit down and listen to them. Give them the opportunity to tell you stories about their life, or to share their thoughts and feelings. As well as this, consider asking questions to show that you’re interested and engaged. 


An excellent way to make someone smile is to encourage them to share memories, or offer stories of your own experiences to create a deeper connection.

Importance of Listening: Younger woman conversing with an older woman

National Smile Month: Sharing Photographs

Sharing photographs with an elderly loved one can be a heartwarming way to make them smile. 


Photos can be powerful tools for evoking memories and creating connections. Whether it’s old family photos, recent holiday snaps or pictures of pets and children, showing images can be an enjoyable way to spark conversations.


Many elderly people also enjoy receiving physical copies of photographs they can hold and display in their homes. Or, with the growing rise of technology, you can even send photos via email or WhatsApp to showcase what you’ve been up to. 


This National Smile Month, why not take the time to share photographs and memories with your elderly loved one? This is a small but powerful act of kindness that can brighten their day and bring them joy.

Elderly individuals enjoying photo albums

To discover more ways to make someone smile, or to find out about our various care options, please contact a member of our team.


Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to discover the mental health benefits of exercising?

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