About National Senior Citizen’s Day
The national holiday is recognized each year on August 21st as a way to celebrate the accomplishments of older members of the community.
The day is observed officially from the year 1988. this day was officially established by the former president of the United States of America.
Ronald Regan was the first person to promulgate Senior Citizens Day. The promulgation said "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.
Why do we celebrate National Senior Citizens Day?
Senior citizens make up a significant portion of our society; they reside on our streets, in our homes and neighborhoods, as well as in our schools and hospitals. They are the ones who ensure that there is enough food for all of us to eat, who battle for access to clean air and water, and who provide care for the sick and elderly.
Our seniors should be greeted and thanked today because they laid the groundwork for who we are now and who we will be tomorrow. They are essential to the productivity of our country, and the government should support initiatives that acknowledge their contributions. Many senior citizens are still employed, which benefits the economy and society as a whole.
Whether it be via their own experience or by giving back to the community, seniors are frequently in a position to assist others. They can actively give their time or offer advice and instruction to businesses and schools, as well as help with house upkeep and repairs. Seniors have a lot to contribute, but also require our assistance.
How to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day
Here are six great ways to celebrate the holiday. According to the National Institute on Aging, multiple factors that many people experience as they get older may be related to depression, such as social isolation, loneliness, lack of exercise or physical activity and functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily life difficult.
Pick up the phone
Calling someone close to you to celebrate can help no matter how far away they are. A phone call can brighten a senior citizen’s day, even if you don’t mention that you’re calling because of the holiday. People can connect long distances and sometimes senior citizens are left out. Loneliness is much more difficult without social media and texting the people you care about regularly.
Regardless of how technologically advanced some senior citizens may seem, still reach out and connect with them.
Take them for an adventure
For many golden-aged individuals, life is not as fun as it is when they were young, but age does not mean that adventures should end. Whether the adventure is a trip to the park, visiting a store or trying out a new restaurant, participating in activities can help boost their mood and expand their lifetime, the NIL says.
While an adventure may sound physically taxing, it doesn’t have to be. An adventure can be a great term to describe an activity or outing that is mentally stimulating and enjoyable.
Help with chores
For many senior citizens, their bodies may not work as well as they used to. While they are in what may be arguably the prime of their life, taking on the housework or running errands can help them out immensely. If you are not sure what you may be able to do to help, please ask them. Even if the task is as simple as helping to change out a lightbulb.
Bake some goodies
Deep down, almost everyone loves some form of baked goodies. Whether you take some muffins to your pal down the street or bake up some cookies with grandma, baked goods are an excellent way to brighten their day.
Make areas more accessible
Some areas are hard to maneuver around for some of the elders. If you have a space where you can improve accessibility, try to improve it. Improvements may be as simple as filling and evening out a walkway or adding a handrail. These changes make spaces more friendly for senior citizens and those with mobility issues.
Volunteer
For those who may not be as connected to a senior citizen but still want to celebrate, try volunteering at a senior center. A list of the senior centers in Knox County is available on the Knox County website. Volunteering opportunities may also be possible through local churches and other organizations.
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