Honor a Senior in Your Life on August 21st
Every month of the calendar year has its share of unique holidays. Many of these holidays are not big events and are not well known to everyone. Nevertheless they are special to those who choose to make them matter. Some holidays are religious, some holidays sweet; others are educational in nature while others are just plain zany! For example, did you know that August is Family Fun Month, National Eye Exam Month, National Golf Month, Peach Month, Romance Awareness Month and National Picnic Month? It is all these things rolled into 31 days!
We turn our attention now to a very unique holiday known as National Senior Citizens Day that is celebrated on August 21st. This day has been set aside to honor and show appreciation to the elderly population in our country. On this day everyone is encouraged to recognize the contribution that senior citizens make to our world, in terms of our families, our communities, and society at large.
The census tells us that as of July 1, 2004, there were 36.3 million individuals in the United States who were 65 years of age and over. Seniors account for 12 percent of the total population. This percentage is expected to rise in coming years as the lifespan for humans as a whole becomes longer. This is very good news for everyone!
President Ronald Reagan can be credited with the creation of a day to honor and show appreciation for seniors. On August 19, 1988, he issued Proclamation 5847 and deemed August 21st to become the day on which seniors will be honored.
On this day show appreciation for the senior citizens in your life and/or in your neighborhood in any way you can. Spend some time talking and laughing with seniors. Listen to their stories. Share your stories with them. Share a cold drink or a cup of coffee. Do volunteer work with seniors. Bring a smile to a senior citizen’s face that only you can bring.
If you are a senior yourself then enjoy your day and treat yourself! Make sure that you take advantage of any specials or discounts available.
No matter how you choose to celebrate and honor National Senior Citizen’s Day, just remember, regardless of your present age, be kind because someday the senior being honored will be you!
