Assisted Living Communities Celebrate National Senior Citizen’s Day

August 21, 2013 is National Senior Citizen’s Day! This is a time to give special recognition to a remarkable group – our nation’s seniors-- who represent the fastest growing demographic in the world.

Who Is A Senior Citizen?

Since age is but a number and people are living longer, there is some confusion as to who makes up the “senior” demographic. According to traditional definitions, a senior citizen is one beyond middle age, especially an individual over the age of retirement. For Americans, this begins at 66 years—a young age by today’s standards—and a group included in the 65 percent of “early adopters” of new technology.

Why Celebrate National Senior Citizen's Day?

Senior Citizen’s Day-- honors all seniors—who represent a demographic that is the most politically engaged segment of the population. Seniors are and have been the leaders of younger generations, having paved the way for their succession. They are the caretakers of families, communities and the country.

How is This Day Celebrated?

Many senior centers and assisted living communities are celebrating the event with activities and ceremonies. Throughout the country younger generations show their appreciation by honoring seniors in different ways. Youth organizations for example, arrange visits and bring gifts to seniors living in nursing homes or other senior care communities.

Families and caregivers spend time with senior loved ones sharing stories or simply enjoying each other’s company. Community members also volunteer their time to lead activities or chat with seniors in retirement homes.

Activity Ideas for Celebrating with a Love One:

• Take an aging loved one to a festival or special event being hosted in your community.
• Bake some cookies and deliver them to a local assisted living community.
• Offer a helping hand to a senior in your neighborhood.
• Gather a large group of family members and friends and invite senior family members out for a picnic or visit a scenic park, restaurant or other place they enjoy.

Also, if you are a senior, check out special promotions and giveaways to commemorate Senior Citizen’s Day at your favorite restaurant, mall or local store.

Key Takeaways:

• National Senior Citizen’s Day is being celebrated on, August 21, 2013.
• Special recognition is given to a remarkable group – our nation’s seniors-- who represent the fastest growing demographic in the world.
• According to traditional definitions, a senior citizen is a person beyond middle age, especially an individual over the age of retirement. For Americans, this represents “the 65 percent of early adopters of new technology,” including Baby Boomers.
• In honor of Senior Citizen’s Day families and caregivers are spending time with loved ones sharing stories or simply enjoying each other’s company.
• Activities you can participate in to show your appreciation on Senior Citizen’s Day include: cooking or baking for delivery to seniors; volunteering to help an elderly neighbor with errands and gathering family members and inviting a senior loved out for a special treat at a picnic, park or restaurant.

Assisted and Independent Living

If you would like to learn more about United Methodist Homes Assisted and Independent Living Communities, please visit our website www.umh.org to learn more.