IRVINE, Calif., June 9, 2021 // PRNewswire // - After a year like no other, Americans have gained a new perspective when it comes to attaining joy in their lives. Comfort Keepers®, a provider of home care for seniors and adults who need assistance, will celebrate its third annual National Day of Joy on June 30, 2021. Comfort Keepers founded this national holiday, which occurs each year on the last Wednesday of June, to emphasize the importance of individuals finding joy, no matter their age, to boost their overall physical, mental and emotional health.
"Even before the pandemic, Comfort Keepers believed in the importance of joy and delivering hope, love and purpose to people we care for regardless of their age," said Carl McManus, Chief Executive Officer, Comfort Keepers, North America. "Even in the most difficult of times this past year, our network of compassionate, resourceful caregivers found ways to uplift, boost and inspire their clients - a practice that they will continue to embrace even when the pandemic comes to an end. For many of us, this past year became a valuable learning experience where we see the benefits of slowing down, connecting with family and appreciating the little things that bring us the most happiness."
National 2021 'State of Joy' Survey
Each year, as part of the National Day of Joy, Comfort Keepers conducts a survey that polls Americans on their perspectives about joy, including specific activities that bring them happiness and evolving attitudes about joy in light of current events. The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Comfort Keepers from April 29-May 1 and polled 2,000 Americans; 1,000 of those surveyed were 30+ years of age with children and at least one living parent, and 1,000 were people aged 65+. Highlights from the survey are outlined below:
Americans Find Joy in People - Not Places, Events or Things
Last year's survey saw Americans missing dining out, travel and personal freedom the most. They looked at the pandemic as a circumstance that prevented them from doing everyday activities. This year as the country continues to open up, respondents find the most joy in connecting with family and loved ones over restaurants, traveling and even wearing masks less often.
Seniors have Mastered the Art of The Text and Use Social Media to Bond with the Grandkids
Connecting with loved ones virtually became a fact of life for so many people during the pandemic- an activity that seniors mastered to keep up with the grandkids.
Pandemic Brought a New Perspective on Living Joyfully
The pandemic will have a long-term impact on respondents' day-to-day lives with people seeing the benefits of slowing down and taking the time to appreciate all they have.
"Sometimes we get so caught up in our fast-moving lives that it almost takes a global pandemic to make people really slow down and appreciate the little things that bring us the most joy," said Alexis Abramson, PhD, Lifestyle Gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. "The National Day of Joy reminds us to find happiness in everyday moments and that embracing joy can improve mood, ease anxiety and help with our overall well-being. Our survey uncovered that connecting with family, spouses and friends brings us the greatest amount of joy over anything else, so let's not forget to reach out to our loved ones and remind them how much they mean to us."
The holiday falls in line with the overall Comfort Keepers' mission - to find ways to deliver joy, positivity and elevate the human spirit in their clients' lives every day at a time when 80% of survey respondents believe the world needs more joy. Now that we are emerging from the global pandemic, the holiday reminds people to appreciate the simple things in life that bring us joy and happiness to help get through even the most difficult of times.
The National Day of Joy is being celebrated in more than 100 locations nationwide where Comfort Keepers has a presence and will include both virtual and local celebrations and various social media extensions. To participate in the National Day of Joy Challenge, share three pictures of something or someone that brings joy on social media and nominate three people to take the challenge using #NationalDayofJoy.
SOURCE Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers® is dedicated to providing in-home care to seniors and others who need help with activities of daily living.