Celebrated every year on August 21^st, National Senior Citizens Day is a day to honor our Nations Seniors and recognize their many accomplishments and contributions to our society.

The valuable input seniors have gifted our communities with is undeniably reason to mark a day in observation. Our seniors are pioneers of technology & science, medicine, psychology, civil rights and much more.

Originally signed into proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, National Senior Citizen Day was established to show our appreciation to the elders of the nation and raise awareness of the social, economic and health issues that affect seniors and their quality of life.

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… READ MORE

-Ronald Reagan, 1988

Today, with the enhancement of medicine and technology, seniors are living longer more fulfilling lives and remain a strong presence in the workforce. Their abundance of knowledge, experience and skill offer priceless lessons to the generations to follow. As technologies continue to advance, they have experienced each step of change, not only contributing to the advancements, but having a grand understanding of the advantages and disadvantages with the innovations of technology.

According to the 2019 US census, there were 54.1 million residents over the age of 65 living in the United States. 30 million of which were women and 24.1 million men. These individuals account for over 16% of the population. Over the next 38 years, a projected increase of 36% will set the senior population to 94.7 million by 2060. It is imperative we acknowledge and tackle the ongoing issues contributing to the obstacles faced by the ever-growing number of elders in our community. The respect and dignity for their many achievements earned, is well deserved.  

Happy National Senior Citizens Day!

Sources:

The American Presidency Project

www.census.gov

NationalDayCalendar.com