August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day in the United States. This annual date was declared in August 1988 by President Ronald Reagan as a time to honor older Americans who have “achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country.”    

The realities stated in Reagan’s proclamation were so relevant then, and they’re infinitely more salient and true today:   

“Many older people are embarking on second careers, giving younger Americans a fine example of responsibility, resourcefulness, competence, and determination.… For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute.” – Proclamation 5847 by the President of the United States — National Senior Citizens Day, 1988   

The growing influence of seniors on our population, workforce, and economy  

Things have dramatically changed in the 36 years since National Senior Citizens Day became a day of recognition. In fact, the increase in citizens 65 and older is unprecedented in our country’s history!  

• On February 1, 1988, the U.S. population was estimated to be approximately 245.2 million.   

• By mid-August 2024, the U.S. population was nearing 337 million people. 

• In 1988, there were 29.2 million U.S. adults ages 65 and older. Today, there are roughly 62 million!  

• In 1987, 47% of older workers were working full time. This has greatly increased to today’s 62%. 

• In 1987, 18% of older workers had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to today’s 44%.  

• In 1987, women represented 40% of all workers ages 65 and older. Today they represent 46%. 

• Older adults are projected to account for 57% of ‘labor force growth’ over the next decade.  

By 2054, 84 million adults ages 65 and older will comprise an estimated 23% of our population. But we don’t need to project 30 years into the future to see how seniors have made indelible marks on our economy, institutions, and national infrastructure. They have been and remain pioneers in many fields, including science, medicine, psychology, and civil rights, significantly contributing to the progress and betterment of our country, communities, and allies worldwide.    

Seniors play a vital role as consumers, participants in diverse economic activities, entrepreneurship, fillers of labor shortages, tax contributions, and policy influences that create a more stable economic environment benefiting all generations. Renowned domestically and worldwide for volunteerism and engagement as community members, seniors’ contributions are multifaceted, extending beyond direct economic impacts to social and community benefits that enhance economic stability and growth for all.  

Why and how to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day  

No matter the status of the senior citizens in our lives, whether they’re family members or other loved ones, co-workers, friends, neighbors, or business and community leaders, we owe it to them to demonstrate gratitude for the ways their 65+ years on earth have impacted our lives, our jobs, families, successes, communities – and how we think about our own future and senior years.   

Let’s thank them for their perseverance, accomplishments, and the rich legacy they continue to build for our society, today and for future generations. Let’s express appreciation for their wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience, which are invaluable to today’s organizations, to younger generations, and to the advancement of our endeavors as a leader of the free world. 

Here are some ways to show gratitude and appreciation to the seniors in our lives:   

• Encourage seniors to share their life stories and experiences. Listening to their journeys, and even documenting their unique experiences, can be enlightening and inspiring for ourselves and others.  

• Social interactions significantly enhance the well-being of senior citizens, whether they’re feeling isolated in the work environment or retired and living alone. Let’s help them stay connected with family, friends, colleagues, and communities through technology, social media, or in-person gatherings. 

• Make the effort to visit and spend quality time with seniors. Let them know they’re appreciated, valued, and loved.  

• Consider volunteering at a retirement home or senior center. Our presence can brighten their day. 

Hire workers of all ages 

As a senior talent recruiting partner with Goodwin Recruiting, I am watching employers build stronger, smarter, and more resilient teams by adopting an age-diverse hiring strategy:   

“It’s essential for organizations to recognize the value that older workers bring to the table and to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion across all age groups. By leveraging the experience, knowledge, and mentorship capabilities of older workers, organizations can create a more dynamic, productive, and innovative workplace that benefits employees at all stages of their careers.” – Goodwin Recruiting  

At Goodwin Recruiting, sourcing top talent for the senior living industry nationwide is one of our areas of specialty. Whether you’re looking to fill a leadership role or ready to take the next step in your career in senior living, connect with our expert recruiters today and let us help you make it happen.   

Raise seniors up on this special day of recognition!   

On August 21, let’s come together to celebrate our senior citizens, acknowledging their past contributions while supporting their present and future aspirations and needs. Their legacy is a foundation on which we continue to build a brighter, more connected world.