National Senior Citizens Day honors our elderly population. On this August 21 holiday, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of elderly people to home, family, and society.

In his Presidential Proclamation (August 19, 1988), President Ronald Reagan 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.”

Sixty is the New Fifty, Seventy is the New Fifty Five. 

It is also important to note that many senior citizens are not “elderly” or infirm. At least they don’t act that way. One does not automatically become too old to do things when he or she reaches social security age or retirement age. Rather, many millions of seniors shun the sedentary lifestyle, and are more active after they retire, than when they are still of working age. Those that are healthy often do things they never had time for before retirement. These senior citizens travel, go biking, climb mountains, fly along zip lines, and do many other activities. The focus is to do as much as you can for as long as you can.

Did You Know? Some seniors lift weights into their eighties. And, some octogenarians even ride roller coasters.  Why not!?