Happy National Senior Citizens Day!

Did you know there is a day just for honoring senior citizens?  Well, there is!  August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day. Today is all about us Awesome Adults. So celebrate with us!

National Senior Citizen’s Day is a day to acknowledge, support and appreciate the Awesome Adults in our lives and communities.  I’d like to say it’s a day for special discounts for seniors, but all the ones I can find are pretty pathetic.  Except for Ruby Tuesday. They are having a $5 sandwich deal for those of us at least 60 years young. Guess where I’m going for lunch. 🙂

A Little History on Senior Citizens Day

On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847 declaring August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day, a day America would celebrate seniors.

“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,” Reagan proclaimed. “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.”

According to the 2017 census, 47 million seniors live in the United States. Our wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience offer so much to the next generation. So let’s celebrate us!

It won’t be long before us seniors rule. “Within just a couple decades, older people are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history,” said Jonathan Vespa, a demographer with the U.S. Census Bureau. “By 2035, there will be 78 million people 65 years and older compared to 76.7 million under the age of 18.” That will probably wreak havoc with Social Security, but the AARP set will definitely be a force to be reckoned with. 

How to Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day

A. If you are not yet an Awesome Adult

Check in on people.  Call your parents, your grandparents, your older neighbors.  Don’t wish them Happy Senior Citizens Day.  That might just irritate them.  Just check in on them.  Ask how they are doing, how their pets are, etc.  Listen to their stories.  Listening to them is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.  It’s hard enough for seniors, especially those that live alone, during normal times.  During a pandemic that’s particularly dangerous for them, it’s much worse.  Your call might be the bright spot in their day.

If you live close enough, drive by your parents or grandparents house.  Honk and wave, or talk from the front yard.  If you have little ones, have them make cards or drawings that you can leave on the porch.  Yes, we really do love those.  Little kids put their hearts and souls into their creations, and its pure love.

Volunteer.  This year has special challenges when it comes to volunteering, especially with seniors.  However, Meals on Wheels still needs volunteers during the pandemic to get meals to seniors who can’t go out.  VolunteerMatch.org has virtual volunteer opportunities.  Most churches and synagogues need volunteers to help with older members.  The ways to volunteer are out there.  You just need to look to find one that works for you.

B. If You Are an Awesome Adult

Celebrate you!  Do whatever makes you happy.  Indulge in your favorite beverage, be it a Caramel Macchiato, a Blue Margarita, or anything in between.  Call your BFF and talk for hours.  Nap! One of my favorite activities. 🙂 Eat one of your favorite foods, even one that your doctor says you should limit now (within reason. If it will send you to the ER, don’t eat it.)  Pour a glass of wine and have a virtual reunion over Zoom or Skype with your college buddies, or any other group you miss. Toast to the years you have been on this earth, and the many more you hope to be here.  We all have loved ones we lost too soon.  Cherish those who are still here.  And cherish each day we are happy and healthy.

Use #SeniorCitizensDay to post on social media.  Let others know to celebrate us on our special day.