In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 21 as National Senior Citizens Day. Today, it’s an opportunity to recognize and show appreciation for older Americans and the dedication, accomplishments and services they have provided throughout their lives.
But who is considered a senior citizen?
It’s a good question. Different parts of the U.S. Government list the age differently, and there’s no exact definition. Medicare age-based benefits kick in at 65, but Social Security eligibility begins at 62. Generally, someone who has retired from the workforce is considered a senior, which typically happens these days at age 67.
According to the Pew Research Center, there are currently roughly 62 million adults ages 65 and older living in the U.S., accounting for 18 percent of the population. Senior citizens are pioneers of science, medicine, psychology, civil rights and so much more.
They’re our friends, parents, grandparents and other family members, neighbors, former teachers, first bosses – and countless other relationships that have made us who we are today.
National Senior Citizens Day is the perfect time to reach out to an older adult who has made a difference in your life, say hello and spend some time with them. Their wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience enrich our lives, and our companionship can make a real difference in their happiness and health.
This population is naturally more prone to health problems – and depression, isolation and loneliness can exacerbate the physical issues. So being a part of their social network is important, as well as checking in and encouraging them to exercise and eat a healthy diet.
Regions has created some special ecards for National Senior Citizens Day to make it easy to send a quick hello and let someone know you’re thinking of them.
These personal connections can also protect friends and loved ones from another growing problem: elder financial abuse.
This type of abuse can take many different forms, but grandparent scams and romance scams are two of the most common. Grandparent scams start with an urgent phone call or text saying a family member is in trouble, needs immediate help – and money to resolve the issue.
Romance scams often begin on social media, then the fraudsters move the conversation to phone calls or text apps, create romantic tension before asking for money. Other popular senior scams include investment, tech support and even sweepstakes scams.
Regions provides helpful information and tips for talking to your senior friends and loved ones about scams on Doing More Today. See these two articles:
Another way to positively impact a senior’s life is to volunteer with a community organization that provides outreach to older adults.
According to the National Council on Aging, more than 17 million (roughly 1 in 3 older adults) are economically insecure, with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Local United Way chapters are a hub for senior services and can be a helpful resource for volunteer opportunities such as meal delivery, assisted living activities and more.
“Many seniors face isolation, mobility challenges or limited access to resources,” said Gina Sian, head of the Regions Making Life Better Institute®.
By offering our time and support, we not only provide practical assistance but we also foster intergenerational connections that help enrich both the lives of volunteers and those they assist.
Gina Sian, head of the Regions Making Life Better Institute
The elderly population is growing. World Health Organization reports that people worldwide are living longer. Every country in the world is experiencing growth in both the size and the proportion of older persons in the population.
So, it’s more important than ever before that we support our seniors and provide social interaction, and care they need and deserve. Celebrating National Senior Citizens Day is great way to start!
Send an ecard today! These specially designed cards are a quick and easy way to reach out to the seniors in your life and show them you care.
