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The theme of the 2023 commemoration of Senior Citizens Day is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World”.

 

The World Senior Citizen’s Day is celebrated on 21 August each year. The celebration took place for the first time in 1991. The day is intended to increase awareness of the factors and issues that affect older adults, such as health deterioration and elder abuse.

Spend time with a senior citizen. Let them know how much you appreciate and respect them. Visit them at their homes, play board games or even read their favorite novel to them.

Although most Americans are unaware of its significance, National Senior Citizen Day is a national holiday intended to honor and show appreciation for the older adults in our lives. This holiday commemorates the more than 54 million seniors living in the United States.

According to 2021 data, more than 55.8 million adults ages 65 and older live in the U.S., accounting for about 16.8% of the nation’s population.

For the elderly, growing older comes with greater life challenges year after year. Aging can lead to mobility issues, making it difficult to navigate around one’s home. Others might become isolated depending on the years they’ve lived alone. Some senior-appropriate options include aging in place (staying home as you age), independent living designed for those aged 55 and over in a senior community, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.

A person of retirement age may find that independent living suits them if they can obtain care from a loved one or trusted professional. There may be no need to move out if you’re surrounded by people who can help you with household chores.

On the other hand, someone might find that a retirement community can work better if they need a structured environment with group activities and meals provided on a regular schedule. Being surrounded by like-minded elderly individuals may also make a living in a senior home or community a more viable choice.

Before deciding on what type of senior living suits your lifestyle, you should think deeply about the following factors:

  • The need for physical and medical care
  • The location and accessibility to forms of transportation
  • The level of home maintenance required
  • The social and emotional needs
  • The financial capacity
  • A community where you can age in place

Socializing Seniors

Many people care about what they’ll do with all their free time when they reach a certain age. However, a person can still have fun and live life, especially in a vibrant retirement community. A social person should have no problem making friends their age, especially as many older individuals can live more comfortably once they retire.

More often than not, joining a community with others who share your same interests can help you find new passions when you retire. Book clubs, painting classes, ballroom dancing, drama groups, tai chi, yoga, gardening, and meditation are just a few of the hobbies and clubs that the elderly can enjoy.  At a more advanced age, keeping your mind sharp is the secret to getting even older and wiser than you currently are. Don’t forget fun outdoor activities like nature trail walks, picnics, visits to the park, and more.

Just because someone is older doesn’t mean that they can’t be a tech-savvy person. An elderly person can join many reputable online communities to find like-minded friends with niche interests. Lastly, practice online safety no matter how much life experience you have!

Do you have an elderly person in your life that you love and appreciate?

Let them know how much you care and it’s an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments.  In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.

Today, seniors are still active in their communities as well as continuing to have a strong presence in the workforce.  For all they do and have achieved for the good of their communities, senior citizens deserve our thanks!