On August 21st, people all around the country will celebrate National Senior Citizens Day—a day set aside to recognize seniors who have spent their lives contributing to society and positively impacting the lives of others. This year, the holiday turns 37 years old, having been established by official presidential proclamation in 1988 by then President Ronald Reagan.
As President Reagan stated in his proclamation speech, “Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land. For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older—places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”
Reagan’s words have stood the test of time. Since the declaration, advances in technology and medical science have made it possible for seniors to live longer and remain active well into their later years. Reagan himself was a pioneer in active aging, becoming president at 69 years old. At the time, he was not only the oldest person to be elected president, but also the oldest at the end of his term, just days shy of 78. Since then, President Joe Biden began his term at age 78, and current President Donald Trump was also 78 when elected for his second term.
Need more proof? In 2020, the number of people over the age of 60 in the U.S. outnumbered children younger than five. By 2050, it’s projected that the number of Americans aged 60 and over will increase by 22%. That means there are more seniors to celebrate on National Senior Citizens Day than ever before!
National Senior Citizens Day Celebration Suggestions
So, we have a great holiday to celebrate seniors… but what can we do?
Reach out to a senior family member. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, or even a long-time family friend, get in touch. Plan a visit and spend quality time together. As we age, material things tend to matter less—relationships mean the most. Your presence is a wonderful gift. If you can’t visit in person, don’t just text—make a call and let them hear your familiar voice as you tell them how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them.
Make a difference. One of the kindest gestures you can make is to contact a local assisted living facility or retirement community and ask if they need anything. Donate essential goods or gifts—it could be as simple as dropping off some treats. For seniors, knowing they are thought of and cared for means a lot and can truly make a difference in their lives.
Enjoy it! If you are a senior citizen, this day is all about YOU! Treat yourself by spending time with your favorite people, get outside, take a trip to a special place, and make memories with those you care about. Celebrate your life and the challenges you’ve faced and triumphed over.
At Parkview Senior Living’s four Tennessee locations in West Knoxville, North Knoxville, Maryville, and Tullahoma, every day is a celebration of the wonderful seniors who call Parkview home. Our employees see it as a privilege to come to work each day and provide their residents with the dedicated service and caring support they need to continue living long and fulfilling lives. Our goal is to make every day Senior Citizens Day by sharing smiles, fun experiences, daily activities, delicious food, and friendly companionship with our residents.
Thank you for reading, and to all senior citizens, Happy National Senior Citizens Day from all of us at Parkview Independent Senior Living!
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