Aug 21st is National Senior Citizens Day
Senior Citizens Day – A day of advocacy for the elderly
In 1988, with the support of Congress, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21 National Senior Citizens Day. According to the traditional definition, a senior citizen is anyone older than 60 years of age. President Reagan was 77 years old himself at the time he read the official proclamation (on Aug. 19, 1988) for National Senior Citizens Day. In his words:“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. With improved health care and more years of productivity, older citizens are reinforcing their historical roles as leaders, and as links with our patrimony and sense of purpose as individuals and as a nation.
“Many older people are embarking on second careers, giving younger Americans a fine example of responsibility, resourcefulness, competence and determination. And more than 4.5 million senior citizens are serving as volunteers in various programs and projects that benefit every sector of society. Wherever the need exists, older people are making their presence felt for their own good and that of others.
“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.”
“The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 138 has designated Aug. 21, 1988 as National Senior Citizens Day. Congress authorized and requested the president to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. Now, therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, president of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Aug. 21 as National Senior Citizens Day.”
Activities There are many ways you can celebrate National Senior Citizens Day and honor the seniors in your family and your community:- Spend time with seniors. Take them to a favorite restaurant, movie, or other place they enjoy going to.
- Interview a senior family member about their life. You’ll learn about them and have their stories to share with other family members
- Visit a continuing-care community, a senior apartment, or an assisted-living facility. Many seniors would love to have company for lunch. Some would love to just sit and chat with them. You could also read them a favorite book.
- Cook a meal. Deliver it in person. Share it with a senior loved one.
- Prepare several home-cooked meals for a senior in your neighborhood. Package them in freezer containers. Write directions on how to reheat them.
- If you have a senior in your neighborhood, offer to help. You could do yard work, mow the lawn or wash their car.
- Bake some cookies. Take them to seniors in your community.
- Send a greeting card to your favorite senior
- If your community is hosting a special event or festival for National Senior Citizens Day, take your favorite seniors to the event as your guests