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3 Ways to Celebrate Seniors

Just under 60 million adults in the U.S. are 65 or older – that’s about 16.8% of the nation’s population! Monday, Aug. 21, is National Senior Citizens Day and a terrific excuse to give more love and attention to the elders in your life.

President Reagan established National Senior Citizens Day in 1988, proclaiming “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute.” This day’s purpose is to recognize how much senior citizens have done for our families, our communities, and our country.  It also encourages developing spaces where older people can participate and find encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services for a life with independence and dignity.

Here are three ways to celebrate the seniors you care about and care for.

1. Plan an event. Yes — you can throw a party with cake and ice cream! Go all out with balloons and entertainment if you want. Or, keep it low key but meaningful: a small dinner party, watching old home movies, or visiting a favorite spot. Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to create a special day for the senior(s) in your life.

2. Share a story. Most of us spend a lot of time on social media. Why not use social media to encourage others to honor National Senior Citizens Day? Share a meaningful memory about a senior in your life. Whether posting a throwback photo, videoing a conversation, or building a thread with a tale of inspiration, you can help stop doomscrolling while honoring older adults! Don’t forget to use #NationalSeniorCitizensDay.

3. Record history. One of the best ways to learn about history is to interview those who lived through it firsthand. Reach out to seniors in your family or a nearby residence to schedule time to discuss an event you are interested in. For example, maybe you want to learn more about World War II, the hippie counter-culture movement, or the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ask questions and learn. If you can, record the interviews so you can share with the seniors you talk with and well as others. StoryCorps has wonderful resources on having the conversation of a lifetime.

Of course, at Charlesgate, we think every day is a reason to celebrate the seniors in our lives. So, join in anytime to make our elders feel special!