The Longest Day: 5 Uplifting Ways to Shine Light on Alzheimer’s with Your Loved Ones

Every year on the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—communities across the globe come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a day full of light, love, and purpose. This special event, known as The Longest Day, is a powerful campaign by the Alzheimer’s Association that encourages individuals and families to turn their passion into action to honor those facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

The idea is simple: because Alzheimer’s can feel like the longest, hardest journey for both individuals and caregivers, we devote the longest day of sunlight—Friday, June 20 this year—to making a difference. Whether you're directly affected or simply want to show support, you can help bring hope by doing something meaningful, together.

Here are 5 fun and heartwarming activities to do with your loved ones on The Longest Day that can also raise awareness and support for the Alzheimer’s Association:

1. Sunrise Walk & Breakfast Picnic

Kick off the day with a walk in the early morning sun at a local park or beach. Invite friends and family to join and ask for small donations for each mile walked. End with a picnic breakfast to celebrate your collective effort.

🧺 Fundraising tip: Create a donation page and ask participants to contribute the cost of a fancy coffee toward the cause.

2. Host a Memory Lane Dance Party

Create a playlist of your loved one’s favorite songs from the past—music is a powerful way to reconnect with those living with dementia. Dance together, share stories, and stream it live or record snippets to inspire others.

💃 Fundraising tip: Ask for donations for song requests, or offer shout-outs during your dance-a-thon!

3. Cook a Family Recipe Together

Prepare a cherished family recipe with your loved one and talk about the memories tied to it. You can even host a virtual cook-along with extended family or friends.

🍲 Fundraising tip: Sell recipe cards or host a virtual dinner party with a suggested donation.

4. Craft for a Cause

Gather supplies and spend the afternoon painting, knitting, or making handmade cards with your loved one. Art is not only therapeutic but a wonderful way to bond.

🎨 Fundraising tip: Sell the finished creations or hold a small art auction online or at a local event.

5. Sunset Reflections & Lantern Lighting

Close the day with a moment of gratitude and reflection. Light a candle or biodegradable lantern to honor someone you’ve lost or support those still fighting.

🌅 Fundraising tip: Dedicate each light or lantern to someone special for a small donation.

Together, We Can Bring the Light

Whether you raise $5 or $500, your efforts shine a light on the need for more awareness, better care, and stronger support for families facing Alzheimer's. Let’s make this Longest

Day count—not just for those we love, but for every family walking this journey.

Learn more or register your activity at alz.org/thelongestday.

🧠 Together, we honor. Together, we fight. Together, we light the way.