Every year, August 21st marks National Senior Citizens Day — a time to celebrate and cherish those seniors who hold a special place in your heart.
Nowadays, more and more older people are remaining in the labor pool and staying engaged in their local communities, devoting their time and effort to building a better world.
Whether they’re your grandparent, family friend, neighbor, or a famous role model, this holiday is about expressing your gratitude and appreciation for them.
This year marks the 35th annual National Senior Citizens Day…
And as a company devoted to the health and safety of seniors everywhere, we want to take this opportunity to honor their lifelong contributions to their families, communities, and society as a whole.
Where it All Started
The first National Senior Citizens Day took place in 1988, and it’s all thanks to former President Ronald Reagan.
Inspired by the achievements of seniors nationwide, he felt compelled to reserve a day in honor of their dedication and commitment to the good of the country.
So, on August 19th, 1988, he signed Proclamation 5847, forever cementing the 21st as a national holiday:
“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.”
A Growing Population With a Growing Impact on Society
Reagan’s statement about improved healthcare leading to additional years of productivity is all the more true today.
According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), older Americans are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the nation.
In 2009, there were 39.6 million Americans aged 65 and older. By 2019, that number grew to 54.1 million. Projections suggest that by 2040 there will be 80.8 million seniors living in the United States, and just under 95 million by 2060.
This growth in senior life expectancy and population — as well as changes in Social Security legislation — has led to an increase in senior employment rate since the 80s.
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for men ages 65-69 jumped by ten percentage points, and the rate for women of the same age group increased by fifteen.
Despite all the challenges that come with aging, these men and women continue to provide for their loved ones and neighbors well into their later years. That being said, it’s safe to say they deserve a holiday dedicated to them.
How to Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day
How you choose to enjoy National Senior Citizens Day with your elderly loved ones is entirely up to you.
It could be something as simple as taking them out to eat at their favorite restaurant, visiting their nursing home, having a family gathering, or getting involved in local events.
Communities across the country regularly plan activities just for seniors, including free movie showings, game nights, giveaways, live music, and more.
You can ask them if there’s anything special they have in mind that they’d like to do, or surprise them with something exciting!
Whatever you do, make sure it’s something they’ll love. Giving them a day to relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of family and friends is the perfect way to show how much they mean to you.
Give the Gift of Peace of Mind
Thanks to age-related declines in mobility and strength, seniors’ risk of injury goes up, and, as a result, their independence may go down.
Health and safety become more of a concern as people advance in age, and a reliable safety net is crucial to maintaining personal freedom later in life.
If you’re looking to show gratitude for an elderly loved one this National Senior Citizens Day, give them the gift of 24/7 protection with the Rescu app.
Rescu allows users to dispatch emergency help to their physical address or exact location anywhere in the US with just two taps on their smartphone or Apple Watch.
Unlike 911, there’s no need to spend valuable time talking on the phone. The app stores your pre-registered personal and medical information, and automatically relays it to your first response time when you send an alert.
It also allows you to input an unlimited number of emergency contacts and notifies them all via text message as soon as you tap “Send Alert.”
With Rescu, your elderly loved one will feel the independence, confidence, and comfort of having the fastest way to get help in an emergency at their fingertips.
