National Senior Citizens Day, August 21, is the day to let seniors know how much you care and it’s an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.
National Senior Citizens Day recognizes seniors who have spent their lives contributing to society and have impacted everyone’s lives for the better. Improved healthcare has changed demographics and increased productivity of older citizens, allowing them to be more active than ever before. With more opportunities available as well, many senior citizens now begin second careers and are an example for younger generations. The country’s foundation and stable sectors are the result of the hard work of our senior citizens and they deserve all our gratitude.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 78 million people aged 65 and older will reside in America by 2035. This figure will surpass the number of the population under the age of 18 for the first time in the nation’s history.
- 22% — the percentage increase in the population of 60+-year-olds by the year 2050.
- 2020 — the year when the number of people aged 60 and above outnumbered children younger than five years.
- 80% — the percentage of elderly people who will be from low and middle income countries by 2050.
- 60 — the age after which a person is considered to be a senior citizen.
- 3.6% — the percentage of people over 65 years old who are in nursing homes.
- 4 in 5 — the number of older adults who will battle at least one chronic illness.
- 50% — the percentage of elderly people who battle at least two chronic diseases.
- 75 — the age at which one in three elderly people don’t get any physical activity.
- 99% — the percentage of people aged 65 and above who have health insurance.
- ⅓ — the portion of the total subsidized housing occupied by the elderly.
- 20 to 22 % — the percentage of the population over 65 years of age in the three oldest states in the United States.
- Today, only 3.6% of people over the age of 65 live in nursing homes — older women are likely to live alone, while older men prefer living with a spouse.
Ways to Observe Senior Citizen Day
Four in five seniors will battle at least one medical condition or illness like arthritis or a heart disorder.Over ⅓ of federally subsidized housing is occupied by elderly people. Senior citizens are the fastest-growing demographic on the social platform Facebook. 15 million senior citizens volunteer in some manner. Here are some ways to celebrate seniors:
Pick Up The Phone
If you live too far from your elderly loved one to see them on a regular basis, pick up the phone and call them. In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget how much it can mean just to take time out of our day to say ‘hello’ and chat. Phone calls are a personal way of saying you care.
Have fun!
Let the seniors in your life know that you love them by offering a meal, activities, music, fun, and fellowship. You can make it a special event all about your senior employees and invite younger employees to bring along their favorite seniors. Then, share about it on social media.
Discuss Family History and Heritage
There’s an undeniable strength in family stories. In fact, putting together an oral family history can not only bring family members together and strengthen the ties between generations, but they can also educate about family genetics, personalities, and more. Family history translates into stronger family bonds. In fact, recent studies have shown that children who have more knowledge of their family history also tend to show greater emotional resilience, facing stress and challenges more effectively as they have a stronger sense of who they are and where they come from.
Visit Senior Communities
The world moves at a fast pace and people sometimes forget what’s truly important. The pandemic took quite a toll on all of us but senior communities like nursing homes, rest homes and other senior centers were sometimes forgotten, but are still very much active and engaging places. By visiting senior living communities, you communicate to seniors that you care. You give them purpose and conversation through social interaction. Visiting a senior living community, whether your loved one lives there or not, is an excellent way to reach out to the older community and show them you care.
