World Senior Citizen's Day 2022: Check date, history and significance of the day

World Senior Citizen Day is celebrated every year on August 21 to acknowledge the contribution of our elders for the society. We all know that our elders are full of life experiences and they are always eager to pass them onto the new generation.

Especially in pandemic, the role of senior citizens gained importance once again in the era of nuclear families.

While the world has looked to the seniors for their wisdom and knowledge, there is also a need to acknowledge their issues and problems.

The World Senior Citizens Day dates back to 1988 when US President Ronald Reagon first announced it.

History

The first World Senior Citizens’ Day was on  August 19, 1988. It was a proclamation by the then President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan.

In Proclamation 5847 as it is known otherwise, Reagan put forth the achievements and importance of older people in American families, communities and the nation.

The United States Congress also passed a House Joint Resolution declaring the third Sunday of August as “National Senior Citizens Day” every year.

Significance

The elderly population is projected to reach more than 1.5 billion by 2050, noted the United Nations (UN).

Furthermore, the population rise will be majorly seen in less developed nations and will host more than two-thirds of the planet’s elderly people by 2050.

With a huge elderly population, it is of paramount importance to have an efficient system to address their well-being and other issues.