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When you think of Respect for the Aged Day, you probably think of it as a day to celebrate grandparents. If you're a grandchild, you probably don't think about it too much, but as you watch your parents grow older and become more and more like "elderly people," many of you may wonder, "At what age do you start celebrating Respect for the Aged Day?"
This time, we will introduce the appropriate timing for celebrating Respect for the Aged Day for the first time, things to be careful about, and how to choose a gift that will be appreciated.
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What is Respect for the Aged Day?
According to the National Holidays Act (commonly known as the Holidays Act), Respect for the Aged Day is a day to "respect and cherish the elderly who have contributed to society for many years and to celebrate their longevity."
Respect for the Aged Day is often thought of as a day when grandchildren give gifts to their grandparents, but there are no rules about who should give gifts to whom.
Origin of Respect for the Aged Day
It's actually quite recent that the day to celebrate the elderly has been given the name "Respect for the Aged Day." The origin of Respect for the Aged Day is said to be a "Respect for the Aged Day" event held on September 1947, 22 (Showa 9), shortly after the war, in Nomadani Village, Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture (now Taka Town, Taka District), which brought together people aged 15 and over.
In 1950 (Showa 25), Hyogo Prefecture designated September 9th as "Senior Citizens' Day," and the following year the National Council of Social Welfare promoted it nationwide, which led to its widespread adoption. "Senior Citizens' Day" was later renamed "Elderly People's Day," and when it became a national holiday in 15 (Showa 1966), it was renamed "Respect for the Aged Day."
Incidentally, in 2003 (Heisei 15), in line with the revision of the National Holidays Act, the date, which had been fixed at September 9th, was changed to the "third Monday of September." Although Respect for the Aged Day has a long history, it seems that it only recently took on its current form.
How old is an "old man"?
In the origins of Respect for the Aged Day, the age at which one is considered "elderly" was 55 or older, but as times have changed, the age at which one is considered "elderly" has risen. Opinions vary, but the definition of "elderly," a word very similar to "elderly," is 65 or older. 65 is considered a turning point, as it is the age at which pension payments begin and many companies have a retirement age of 65.
The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) defines elderly people as people aged 65 or older. Those aged 65-74 are called early elderly, and those aged 75 or older are called late elderly.
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare e-Health Net
However, it is also true that there are many youthful people who continue to work or pursue hobbies after turning 65, and who are hesitant to be treated as "elderly" simply because of their age. Many people would probably be uneasy about the rigid idea of "celebrating someone because they turned 65."
Should we celebrate Respect for the Aged Day with our in-laws?
Respect for the Aged Day is a day that can be celebrated even by people who are not related by blood. This brings us to the question of what to do about our in-laws. Since it is also a day to celebrate the elderly, it can be a bit of a struggle.
According to a survey conducted by Mynavi News, only 38.0% of people are planning to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day for their mother-in-law or father-in-law, making them a minority.
If they press you, you can avoid upsetting them by saying something like, "You're still young, so I thought it would be rude to congratulate you..." Especially for women, it's nice to be told you're young no matter how old you are. Rather than making them think, "I'm treating you like an old man!", it might be best to make them wait a little.
Furthermore, being urged to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day means that you are "accepting the treatment of the elderly." Unless there is a specific reason, such as "your grandchildren wanting to celebrate," you probably don't need to prepare a celebration for your parents-in-law in advance.
At what age do you start celebrating Respect for the Aged Day?
As mentioned above, there is no set age for celebrating Respect for the Aged Day. Even if someone is generally considered elderly, there are cases where they are frowned upon, with people saying, "Respect for the Aged Day is too early!" So, when is the best time to celebrate?
In many cases, the following four timing points are commonly used as breaks. Let's take a look at the reasons for each one.
- When a grandchild is born
- When my grandchild started kindergarten (nursery school)
- When you retire
- When you reach a milestone age (60, 70, etc.)
When a grandchild is born
In some cases, the birth of a grandchild marks a milestone that is easy for the people being celebrated to understand, and so it is likely to be accepted smoothly.
However, when the grandchild is still a baby, many parents become upset and say, "In the end, it's you (son/daughter) who is the one who gave it to you." Young parents in their 50s or 60s need to be careful.
When my grandchild started kindergarten (nursery school)
If you want to celebrate from the perspective of "grandchildren," we recommend starting when they start kindergarten (nursery school). This is because by making gifts such as portraits and letters, they will come to understand that "Respect for the Aged Day is a day to celebrate grandparents," and they will be able to convey words such as "Thank you for everything."
This way, you can add a cushion by saying, "I think it's too early, but I made it for you, so please accept it," so you won't end up getting upset later.
When you retire
If your parents are working hard, it may be a good idea to time your retirement to coincide with their mandatory retirement age. This is because many people have a strong sense of still being active as long as they are working, regardless of their age. Currently, many companies have a mandatory retirement age of 65, but if you plan to continue working through a re-employment system, this may still be a little early.
When you reach a milestone age (60, 70, etc.)
Gaju is a long-standing Japanese custom of celebrating longevity. There are more than 10 different types, including "kanreki," which everyone has heard of, as well as some lesser-known ones. It seems that quite a few people also celebrate their first Respect for the Aged Day along with their kanreki celebration.
However, it's important to note that many people feel that "it's too early to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day in your 60s." According to a survey conducted by Rakuten Ichiba, nearly 70% of people think that "I'll celebrate Respect for the Aged Day when I'm 8 or older." If you want to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day together with a milestone age celebration, it's best to wait until after Koki (70 years old).
Tips to avoid being treated like an old person
It would be sad for both parties if the person you are giving the gift to is perceived as "treating you like an old person" and your true feelings are not conveyed. With a little ingenuity when giving a gift, you can make it a gift that properly conveys your feelings.
First of all, if you have grandchildren, make sure to use their names as the sender of the gift. Regardless of age, many people are shocked to be celebrated on Respect for the Aged Day by their daughter or son. However, many people feel happy with anything they receive from their grandchildren.
Also, when sending a message along with a gift, people tend to choose phrases like "Take care of your health and live a long life," but some people don't like phrases that strongly emphasize age or life expectancy. It's not that you should never use them, but if you're writing a message from the perspective of a daughter or son rather than a grandchild, you should avoid using them too often.
Instead, it's recommended to focus on words of gratitude, such as "Thank you for always watching over me," or write about something you want to do together, such as "Let's do this next time." That way, even if you don't express it directly, they'll still think, "I hope you're still doing well."
What to do on Respect for the Aged Day? What would make someone happy?
You may be wondering how to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day in a way that will make the other person happy. We will introduce some things that many people say they were happy to receive on Respect for the Aged Day, so please use this as a reference.
Flower gift
Flowers are a classic gift for celebrations. However, it's best to avoid large bouquets or potted plants, which can be difficult to care for and store. Potted plants, in particular, are often associated with "taking root" and "falling asleep," and are therefore often seen as bad luck and can prolong illness or injury. Therefore, unless the recipient specifically requests it, they are not suitable as gifts for Respect for the Aged Day.
For those who love fresh flowers, give them a small flower arrangement that won't take up much space. For those who don't like caring for plants or who are prone to illness and can't water them every day, we recommend preserved flowers or herbariums, which are "flowers that can be enjoyed without the need for care."
PochipGourmet gifts such as sweets
Gift sets of "nice little things" that you wouldn't normally have a chance to buy, such as famous sweets from famous stores, high-quality meats, and assorted prepared foods, are also popular. However, be careful with perishable foods that don't keep well, as it can be difficult to eat a large amount. It's also important to check in advance whether there are any foods that you are avoiding to maintain your health or control illnesses.
Pochipsake
When we talk about alcohol, there are many different types, such as beer, sake, whiskey, wine, etc. If you know your favorite brand, choosing a large bottle is fine, but we also recommend smaller bottles that convey the message "take care of your health," or tasting sets that allow you to enjoy a variety of flavors. Gifting a set with snacks also makes a great gift.
PochipFashion Goods
As we get older, we start to worry about physical pain, stiffness, and other discomforts, which can make it difficult to go out. Fashion items that make going out fun, such as easy-to-use bags and wallets, and scarves that are convenient for regulating body temperature, are also popular items.
Choose a calm design that is neither too flashy nor too plain, and that you can carry around without hesitation. For grandparents whose legs have weakened, we also recommend walking sticks or strollers (wheelchairs) to help them walk.
PochipMassage and relaxation products
Massage products that can relieve stiffness and pain are a great gift that directly conveys your concern for the body. While there are many convenient and multi-functional electronic devices available these days, it is best to avoid those with complicated buttons that are difficult to understand.
For those who are not good with digital devices, analogue items such as backscratchers and acupressure devices are easy to use. Relaxation items that soothe both body and mind, such as aromatic aromatherapy and bath salts, are also popular.
PochipHandmade gifts
Handmade gifts, such as portraits and letters, are wonderful gifts that convey a warm feeling. If you're not confident in your handicraft skills or don't have the time to make something, adding a message card to the gift will double the joy. It's also a good idea to enclose a photo in the letter.
PochipTime together
The majority of people said, "What makes me happiest is spending time together, not buying things." It seems that many people would be happy to go out to eat or shopping together, or take a short trip during a three-day weekend.
If it's difficult to meet in person, they will be happy just to pick up the phone and hear your voice. If your grandparents are digitally savvy, we recommend enjoying a video call over the internet.
Conclusion
We've introduced what age you should start celebrating Respect for the Aged Day and what gifts would make a great gift. If you know that spending time together is the best, but you can't easily make it, why not give a heartfelt gift?
"PR"
