At MorseLife, we dedicate every day to seniors, but did you know America celebrates an official National Senior Citizens Day every year on August 21?

Established by an official U.S. presidential proclamation in 1988, National Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate how much older people have achieved for their families, our communities, and our nation. Reserving a special day in their honor helps us remember to set aside time to give them our thanks and special attention.

To best demonstrate our gratitude, MorseLife believes in ensuring that our communities are worthy places to grow older – places where older people can participate to the fullest and find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue leading lives of independence and dignity.

Social connections are vital for keeping seniors young and vibrant because, without meaningful interactions, older adults are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, mental health challenges, and premature death.

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General even issued an Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community to help people build more connected lives and a more connected society.  Furthermore, this year’s Older Americans Month theme was #PoweredByConnection, which highlighted the profound impact of meaningful relationships on the health of older adults.

At MorseLife, we consistently emphasize and encourage more life through connections – new friendships, shared social activities, community volunteerism, and spirituality.

So, this year, on August 21^st, National Senior Citizens Day, take simple steps to connect with others and banish loneliness.

• Answer a friend or elder loved one’s call
• Share a meal together
• Listen without distractions
• Perform acts of service to help older adults overcome obstacles
• Connect older adults with local services to help them engage socially and with the community