A History
Senior Citizens Day has been celebrated across the country since 1988, and globally since 1991. It became a national holiday with President Regan’s Proclamation 5847. In his speech, given on August 19th, 1988, he stated:
"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."
After Senior Citizens Day was celebrated for three years in America, the United Nations General Assembly declared it to be an international holiday in 1991. Since then, World Senior Citizens Day has been celebrated annually on August 21st. Volunteering at a retirement home, visiting relatives, spending time with neighbors, and organizing community events are all popular ways to observe the holiday. Be sure to reach out to any senior citizens in your community who have made a positive impact on your life, or ask your loved ones to share their story.
Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the World Health Organization, the number of people aged over 65 will rise from 390 million now to 800 million by 2025 - reaching 10% of the total population. Senior citizens are the largest growing demographic in the world!
To put the numbers in perspective, there were 12 people aged over 65 for every 100 aged under 20 in 1955. By 1995, the old to young ratio was 16 to 100; by 2025 it will be 31 to100! By 2025, the World Health Organization says that increases of up to 300% of the older population are expected in many developing countries, especially in Latin America and Asia. Countries all around the world are looking to improve senior care as the population of senior citizens rises around the globe. This article from Aging.com highlights the current state of senior care and what to expect moving forward.
Deals for Senior Citizens
Are you a senior citizen? Here are a few incredible resources for finding senior discounts at restaurants, airlines, hotels, and more! While many businesses offer special deals on Senior Citizens Day, the discounts from these sites run all year long!
The Senior List is a helpful list of discounts offered at a number of establishments around the country
Tough Nickel is a helpful blog that breaks down senior citizen discounts by category, so you can easily find a great way to save
Senior Discounts is a searchable database of deals! Find amazing discounts and coupons by entering your location and any specific needs
Deal Hack wrote a useful blog post featuring senior discounts by age. With deals starting for anyone aged 50 or above, this site has something for everyone!
No matter what you have planned for Senior Citizens Day, let us help you make it the absolute best! Feel free to contact us online or reach out to us with any questions at 1-888-260-4430.
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