Care for Those Who Once Cared for Us: National Senior Citizens Day on August 21

Authored Article by Dr B Madhusudhan Reddy

KARIMNAGAR, AUGUST 20, 2025: In India, a senior citizen is generally defined as someone who has attained the age of 60 years or above. For income tax purposes, individuals aged 60 – 79 years are considered as senior citizens and those above 80 are classified as ‘super senior citizens’. Senior citizens are the leaders of yesteryears, and now they are the centres of experience and source of guidance. To appreciate the wisdom, experience, and enduring contributions of elders or senior citizens, “National Senior Citizens Day” is observed annually on 21 August. The families, friends, and organisations unite to honour older adults and champion their rights. This day aims to raise global awareness campaigns, focusing on their well-being in an ever-changing world.

Theme of National Senior Citizens Day – 2025:

National Senior Citizens Day was established in 1988 by US President Ronald Reagan to salute the yesterday youth and adults, admire their achievements, echoing the message – respect, gratitude, and inclusion for all seniors. Now this day is also observed by UN reinforcing the importance of senior citizens’ appreciation. It is an occasion to discuss the issues of elder care, healthy ageing, and rights, underlining the need for community support. The theme of National Senior Citizens Day-2025 is “Empowering Elders’ Voices for an Inclusive Future”, encouraging society to listen more closely to seniors and involve them actively in shaping family, community, and policy decisions. Give them the opportunity to lead, share stories, and advise. This space can be used to bridge age gaps through cultural sharing and joint activities, promoting age-friendly public spaces, and accessible services.

Common Problems of Senior Citizens :

There are nearly 22 per cent population are in the senior citizens category globally. Older persons contribute volunteer hours, wisdom, and family traditions. Most of the senior citizens are facing the problems like chronic illness, isolation, barriers to healthcare, economic hardships, cognitive decline, mental illness, mobility issues, dependence on family, elder abuse, lack of social support, increased vulnerability, lack of adequate infrastructure, disability issues, arthritis, inadequacy of companionship, social exclusion, and neglected by society and even family members. On this day, programs like intergenerational meets, appreciation lunches, awareness campaigns, voluntary service at senior citizens care centres, and create their memory albums.

Inspirational words can make Senior Citizens Day more memorable. Sharing quotes and slogans helps spread the message of respect and gratitude. Let’s care for those who once cared for us. Senior citizens are living libraries. Each one contains a world of wisdom. Let’s honour and treasure the past, cherish the present, and look forward to an inclusive future for all age groups.