National Senior Citizens Day

This Saturday, August 21, is National Senior Citizens Day which honors the contributions our senior population has made to our nation and honors the accomplishments throughout their life. On this day, 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."

Older people are living longer and staying active, so make sure you're nurturing your community to be the best place for people to grow older. Volunteer to help an elderly person clean up their yard or take out the trash. Host a senior citizens game night in your area, several times a year. Go to a nearby retirement home and put on a show. Be supportive of their hobbies and interest. Sit and listen to all the stories they may have to tell. And more importantly, just be courteous. Don't hesitate to ask for their help in return - retirees make great volunteers!

On National Senior Citizens Day, we should:

• Spend some time with senior citizens
• Show our appreciation for senior citizens
• Do volunteer work in support of the elderly
  

If you are a senior citizen, enjoy your day any way you desire. After all, this is your day! Make sure to take advantage of senior citizens specials and discounts. There's bound to be plenty offers today.