On August 21, 2021 the nation celebrates Senior Citizen Day. For over 30 years we have used this day as an opportunity not only to celebrate seniors' contributions to society, but also to raise awareness of issues affecting seniors. 

Senior Citizen Day is on August 21st

History of National Senior Citizen Day

Former president Ronald Regan declared August 21st National Senior Citizen Day when he signed Proclamation 5847 on August 19th, 1988. 

President Ronald Reagan remarked: “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.” 

Ways To Support Senior Citizen Day

You can show your support for our elders and help celebrate National Senior Citizen Day in many ways, but here are a few examples:

• Become a UJCES volunteer. We have opportunities to help provide food assistance through our food pantry or by serving seniors lunches, delivering meals, supporting special projects, and more. 

• Donate to local charities, food pantries, or businesses that support older adults and in-home care. 

Other simple ways to show your respect and care for the older generation on Senior Citizen Day, would be to call an older loved one, hold the door for a senior, or simply smile and say hello to an elderly neighbor or patron at a nearby coffee shop. Go the extra mile and buy that cup of coffee for the older adult in line with you. Don’t forget that many businesses will provide special Senior Citizen Day discounts. 

What The Future Brings

The US Census Bureau predicts that by 2034, there will be more senior citizens alive than people under the age of 18 for the first time in history. As the senior population ages, we continue the conversation and adjust to the needs of our elders. With programs like the CDPAP, seniors can remain in their homes longer and can designate a caregiver of their choice who will get paid at no cost to them. 

From all of us at the United Jewish Council of the East Side, we’d like to wish you a Happy Senior Citizens Day! 

For more information:

• Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) │ info@ujces.org

• Questions about volunteering │ volunteer@ujces.org