As World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly approaches on 27 July, one busy grandmother, Vicki Turnbull, took time out from folding clothes, cooking dinner and looking after her three grandchildren, Sienna (12), Savannah (10) and Jack (6) to give her insights into the changing role of grandparents.
“While many families deeply appreciate their grandparents, society tends to overlook the incredible contributions of older people. In a culture that idolises speed, novelty, and youth, the elderly can be treated as if they’re past their use-by date,” she said.
It’s why Vicki, a parishioner from St Andrews Malabar, believes this day is more important than ever.
“Grandparents are often the quiet backbone of families and communities and we need to honour their dignity and contributions, especially in cultures where ageing is undervalued.
Many elderly people face loneliness and isolation, especially in our increasingly fast-paced digital world. It’s about recognition, gratitude, and connection,” she emphasised.
The day, which will take place for the fifth time this year centres on the theme ‘Blessed are those who have not lost hope’ (cf. Sir 14:2). These words, taken from the Book of Sirach, express the blessedness of the elderly and indicate hope placed in the Lord as the way to a Christian and reconciled old age.
The day and its theme hold particular significance for Vicki, herself a mother of seven children.
“I’ve lived through enough to know that storms don’t last forever. When the world feels chaotic, I hold onto what doesn’t change: faith, family, and the quiet promise that God is still at work,” she said from her home in Matraville.
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is to be celebrated on the Sunday closest to the Feast Day of Saints Joachim and Anne on 26 July.
In this Jubilee year, the day, established by Pope Francis in 2021, is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on how the presence of grandparents and the elderly can become a sign of hope in every family and church community.
Vicki’s own hopes for grandparents and the elderly echo across the nation—home to 5.3 million baby boomer generation grandparents and 4.2 million older Australians.
“I pray that we are seen and valued—not just for what we do, but for who we are. That we are heard, not dismissed as out of touch, but cherished as treasures,” she said.
“That we are included in family life—never set aside. And that those who are lonely, sick, forgotten, or grieving are cared for with compassion.”
Vicki’s final message echoed Pope Francis’ call for hope, urging resilience and faith in our later years.
“Even as we age we must seek new purpose, forge new friendships, discover new ways to love—and remember that God’s work with us isn’t finished yet,” she said.
The Life Marriage Family Team within the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation encourages parishes to observe this special day, offering practical ideas and free digital resources to celebrate grandparents and the elderly in our communities.
You can access these resources and a digital prayer card here: Sydneycatholic.org/LMF
