Every August we celebrate World Senior Citizens Day, an opportunity to recognize the outsized role that older people play in our society and families.
It all began in 1988, when President Ronald Reagan issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day in the United States.
He noted that, “Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land.”
Even though 1988 was nearly 35 years ago, President Reagan recognized at that time that older people were enjoying more years of productivity than previous generations due to improved health care and a greater sense of purpose. “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute,” he said.
Age is Just a Number!
Overall self-reported happiness grows with age, with a striking spike among those age 70-plus, an AARP Research study revealed. It appears that with age comes greater peace and acceptance, as well as diminished stress, anxiety and fear. In fact, AARP says that we’re entering a new era of aging. People are living and working longer, and ‘experiencing more’ while doing it.
Check out how these famous active seniors haven’t let time or age slow them down.
Mick Jagger
The 79-year-old lead singer of the Rolling Stones is known for his energetic performances on stage. One UK newspaper reported that he maintains fitness through, “regular interval training that allows him to sing songs, run across stage and then talk to the crowd straight after.” The band just concluded a European tour leg earlier in August after celebrating 60 years of performing together.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
The former president and first lady are enjoying life well into their 90s. In addition to their ongoing involvement with the Carter Center in Atlanta, President Carter – now age 97 – continued to participate in Habitat for Humanity builds past his 95th birthday, as Mrs. Carter (who recently turned 95) continued the mental health advocacy work that she pioneered during her White House years.
Sophia Loren
Oscar-winning actress Sophia Loren first captured the national imagination as a glamorous starlet in the 1950s and ‘60s. Her career has now spanned 70 years; she most recently starred in Netflix’s “The Life Ahead” in 2020. Now nearly age 88, she remains committed to taking good care of herself, dismissing negativity and savoring life’s little things.
Read more stories of everyday Americans who are ‘disrupting aging,’ according to AARP.
