World Senior Citizen’s Day 2022: Know more on history, significance

On August 19, 1988, the then US President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring August 21 as Senior Citizen’s Day in the country.

Published on: Aug 21, 2022, 10:16:22 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

World Senior Citizen's Day is celebrated each year on August 21 to recognise the achievements of the more mature representatives of the world. The day provides an opportunity to show appreciation towards senior citizens for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives.

World Senior Citizen’s Day serves both as an opportunity and a reminder to spread awareness, highlight and address the challenges, and celebrate the milestones of senior citizens. (Shutterstock)

Among other leaders, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik took to Twitter on Sunday to extend his wishes on the occasion and wrote, “Senior citizens play a vital role in enriching our society with their wisdom, knowledge & experience. On World Senior Citizen’s Day, let's acknowledge the hardships faced by them and pledge to give them the love, care and respect they deserve.” Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant also urged the people to ‘express our gratitude for the wisdom and love’ senior citizens share with us.

History

On August 19, 1988, the then US President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring August 21 as Senior Citizen’s Day in the country. The same has been observed globally as well since then.

Significance

Over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching over 1.5 billion in 2050 as per a report by the United Nations. The coronavirus pandemic has “exacerbated existing inequalities, with the past three years intensifying the socioeconomic, environmental, health and climate related impacts on the lives of older persons,” especially older women who constitute the majority of senior citizens, the international body added. Thus, the World Senior Citizen’s Day serves both as an opportunity and a reminder to spread awareness, highlight and address the challenges, and celebrate the milestones of senior citizens.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.