Random Acts of Kindness Day is 17^th February. This day is for individuals to experience the scientific benefits of kindness.

'The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.”' -Jamil Zaki

Kindness is something that everyone needs, and that’s especially true for older people. Older people have a lot of wisdom to share and can be great examples of kindness for the younger generations. Here are some ideas for ways older people can be kind to others:

• Reach out to younger generations. Offer to listen to their problems and offer advice. Older people can be excellent mentors and role models.
• Volunteer in your local community. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community.
• Offer support to those in need. Whether it’s donating to a worthy cause or helping out a neighbour in need, there are countless ways to show kindness and compassion.
• Participate in acts of random kindness. Give a stranger a compliment, buy a coffee for someone in line, or send a “just because” card to a friend.
• Help out a friend or family member. Whether it’s calling them to see how they are or arranging a visit for a cup of coffee. Giving someone your time to listen is always kind.
• Be kind to yourself. Do something that makes you smile and speak kindly to yourself.

These are just a few ways you can take the time to be kind to others. There are numerous other ways to show kindness, and it’s important to remember that even a small act of kindness can have a big impact. Why not make it a daily practice to be conscious of your kindness and take up more opportunities to make someone else's day just that little bit better? Kindness is contagious, the more kindness you spread the more that could come back to you as well.