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National Senior Citizens Day

Honor the seniors in your life on National Senior Citizens Day - show them your love and appreciation with thoughtful gestures and kind words!
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When it is?
August 21
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Honor the elderly in your life and celebrate National Senior Citizens Day on August 21! This special day was created to recognize the contributions of senior citizens in our society. It's a great time to show appreciation for all they have done, from their wisdom and experience to their warm smiles and kind hearts. In addition, it's an opportunity to learn more about our history by talking with people who experienced past decades first-hand. Let’s make sure we take time out of this busy world to appreciate the older generations around us!

History of National Senior Citizens Day

National Senior Citizens Day Dates

National Senior Citizens Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Social Security Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, providing retirement pensions for elderly Americans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of AARP</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) was founded to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of older Americans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Medicare Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Medicare program was established, providing health insurance to people age 65 or older in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Age Discrimination Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress passed the Age Discrimination Act, protecting individuals 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Senior Citizens Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day to honor the elderly population of the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Older Americans Act Reauthorization</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Older Americans Act (OAA) received reauthorization, continuing services like caregiver support, nutritional programs, and community service employment for older Americans.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a game night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather seniors together and organize a game night. Ask them to bring their favorite board or card games, or provide a selection of some classic games like Scrabble, Pictionary, or Uno.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan an outing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize an outing to the local state park, movie theater, museum, or bowling alley. This will give seniors an opportunity to get out and do something fun with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite seniors over for a potluck dinner. Have everyone bring their favorite dish and enjoy each other's company.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Give back</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer at a senior center or nursing home in your area to help make life a little brighter for seniors who may not have family or friends nearby.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send cards</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Send cards to your elderly relatives and friends to let them know you're thinking of them on National Senior Citizens Day.</p></div></div>

Why National Senior Citizens Day is Important

<div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Honoring Wisdom and Experience</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Seniors have a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experiences to share. National Senior Citizens Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate their immense contributions to society and our lives. It also gives us an avenue to learn more from their first-hand experiences of past decades.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Celebrating Their Contributions</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to show appreciation for the significant impact seniors make in our communities. This includes their contributions to family dynamics, community projects, and professional fields, among others.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Promoting their Welfare</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>This special day drives us to show concern for the well-being of senior citizens. Whether it's arranging a game night, hosting a potluck, or simply sending them a thoughtful card, our efforts can bring joy and comfort to seniors, making them feel loved and valued.</p></div></div>

5 Secret Insights into National Senior Citizens Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Senior Citizens Day Was Made Possible by a Proclamation from President Ronald Reagan</h3><p class='facts-content'>On August 19, 1988, President Reagan issued Proclamation 5847, declaring August 21 to be National Senior Citizens Day. The day was set aside to show appreciation for the dedication, accomplishments, and services given by senior citizens of the United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>This Holiday Shares Its Date With Hawaii's Statehood Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Both National Senior Citizens Day and Hawaii Statehood Day are celebrated on August 21. The latter celebrates Hawaii’s admission as a U.S. State, which happened on August 21, 1959.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Several American Retailers Provide Discounts for Senior Citizens on This Special Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>By providing discounts on products and services, retailers honor the contributions of senior citizens to society and show their appreciation on National Senior Citizens Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Senior" Traditionally Refers to People Over the Age of 65</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though definitions can vary, "senior citizen" is typically used to describe someone who is retired and over the age of 65. This group becomes more significant each year as average life expectancy increases due to advancements in healthcare.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not Every Country Celebrates Senior Citizens On The Same Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many countries around the world have established their own holidays to honor older people, but they do not all fall on the same day. For instance, in Japan, "Respect for the Aged Day" is celebrated on the third Monday in September.</p></div></div>

National Senior Citizens Day FAQs

When is National Senior Citizens Day?

National Senior Citizens Day is celebrated on August 21 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Wednesday.

National Senior Citizens Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Aug 21

Monday

2024

Aug 21

Wednesday

2025

Aug 21

Thursday

2026

Aug 21

Friday

2027

Aug 21

Saturday

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