Do you adore and appreciate an elderly person in your life? The 21st of August is National Senior Citizens Day, a time to express your appreciation and acknowledge their accomplishments. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness of issues affecting the quality of life of senior citizens.
Seniors continue to be involved in their communities and have a significant presence in the workforce. Seniors deserve our gratitude for all they have done and accomplished for the benefit of their communities.
The background of National Senior Citizens Day
National Senior Citizens Day honours seniors who have made significant contributions to society and improved the lives of everyone. Better healthcare has altered demographics and increased the productivity of senior citizens, enabling them to be more active than ever before. As a result of increased opportunities, a growing number of senior citizens are pursuing second careers and serving as role models for younger generations. The country’s foundation and stable sectors are the result of our senior citizens’ hard labour, and they deserve all of our gratitude.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan took the initiative to honour seniors by signing Proclamation 5847 and designating August 21 as Senior Citizens Day. “Throughout our history, elderly individuals have made significant contributions to our families, communities, and nation. Reagan proclaimed, “This remains true today, giving us ample reason to designate a special day to honour the senior citizens who contribute so much to our nation this year.” “We owe senior citizens our gratitude and a heartfelt tribute for all they have accomplished in life and for all they continue to accomplish. We can best show our gratitude and respect by ensuring that our communities are good places to mature and age — places where older people can participate to the fullest and find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to live independent, dignified lives.”
His words have withstood the test of time and are now, more than three decades later, more relevant than ever, as senior people lead more productive lives. Reagan set an example for everyone; he was 69 years old on January 20, 1981, when he was given one of the world’s most potent titles as president of the United States. Reagan lived to the ripe old age of 93, and he was not only the eldest person to be elected president, but also the oldest when his term ended at 77 years and 364 days.
By 2035, the United States will be home to approximately 78 million individuals aged 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This number will surpass the number of people under 18 for the first time in the annals of the nation.
National Senior Citizens Day: 5 FACTS
Today, only 3.6% of persons over 65 reside in nursing homes; older women are more likely to live alone, whereas older men prefer to live with a spouse.
Four out of five senior citizens will suffer from at least one medical condition or ailment, such as arthritis or a heart condition.
More than one-third of federally subsidised housing is occupied by seniors.
Facebook’s fastest-growing demographic segment is the senior population.
15 million senior citizens participate in volunteer work.
NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 21 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 21 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | August 21 | Thursday |
| 2026 | August 21 | Friday |
| 2027 | August 21 | Saturday |
