5 Ways to Celebrate Senior Citizen’s Day

In 1988, Ronald Reagan announced the first annual Senior Citizen’s Day. As he put it, “Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today, and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land.” That’s just as relevant a comment in 2015 as it was in 1988.

Now, every year on August 21, everyone has an opportunity to appreciate the contribution of seniors. And seniors have an opportunity to take it easy and be celebrated.

For Senior Citizen’s Day this year, be sure to take advantage of your chance for a little celebration. And get your friends and family members to join in on the fun.

Here are a few ideas to help inspire you.

1. Check if there are any local events for senior citizens.

Senior Citizen’s Day is a nationally recognized day for honoring seniors. Many communities embrace the opportunity to put on events for the occasion. Do a quick Google search to see if there’s anything going on in your neighborhood. You may find a great event that gives you a chance to meet other seniors, enjoy some good food, or fill your day with fun.

2. Take advantage of senior discounts.

One of the nice benefits of hitting age 50 is being able to start enjoying senior discounts. You can find plenty of senior discounts available throughout the year, but you may find even more available on Senior Citizen’s Day, as businesses use the day as an excuse to show their support for seniors. Go ahead and ask around anywhere you go throughout the day, you may find yourself able to take advantage of good deals that aren’t being widely advertised.  

3. Volunteer at a nursing home or assisted living facility.

You’re a senior, but there are still plenty of people around that are your senior. Why not give them some of the appreciation you’re getting? See if there are any good opportunities to volunteer at a nearby senior living facility. You could even do something as simple as bringing over some cookies or gift items for the residents.  

If you’re already living in a retirement community, try to brainstorm ways to do something kind for your fellow residents. Maybe you can enlist loved ones to bring over some gifts or snacks for you all to enjoy.

4. Get your kids to treat.

Today is mostly about others appreciating you though, so if you have kids or grandkids, let them know that it’s time for them to take you out. Whether you want to go to your favorite restaurant or the local bowling alley, give them some advance notice that on Senior Citizen’s Day, you’d like them to devote some space on their calendars to spending time with you.

5. Do you.

There’s no good way for me to know what your favorite way to spend a day is, so you’ll need to decide for yourself. Maybe a leisurely afternoon with a book by the lake is your ideal. Maybe a trip to the golf course. Whatever your favorite way to spend a day, make Senior Citizen’s Day a good excuse to do so.

How do you plan to celebrate Senior Citizen’s Day? Let us know in the comments!

Kristen Hicks

Kristen Hicks is an Austin-based copywriter and lifelong student with an ongoing curiousity to learn and explore new things. She turns that interest to researching and exploring subjects helpful to seniors and their families for SeniorAdvisor.com.