by Karen Flores, Hotline Attorney

On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847 establishing August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day declaring “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute.” Senior Citizens Day is not a national holiday, but rather a day to honor and support our seniors and recognize the contributions they have made to our country, our communities, and our families. It is also a day to raise awareness of social, health, and economic issues affecting senior citizens. If you are a senior citizen, enjoy this day and perhaps take advantage of any specials and discounts offered to senior citizens by businesses in your area.

Spending some time with senior citizens, who may be parents, grandparents, neighbors, or friends, or volunteering at a retirement home are ways we can celebrate this special day. Although this day of recognition has been established, we should continue to remain connected with seniors throughout the year. Even a daily check-in or a brief conversation or phone call can provide meaningful interaction and add joy to someone’s day.

Loneliness and isolation, which are common issues for seniors, can be alleviated with such contact. Just because there is a national day set aside to recognize seniors, we should aspire to frequently recognize and honor senior citizens in our communities.