National Senior Citizens Day was officially established in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847 38 years ago today, August 19, designating August 21 as a day to recognize the achievements, dedication and services of senior citizens throughout their lives.
This coming Friday is a day focused on the awareness of issues affecting older adults, such as health, elder abuse and the importance of maintaining independence.
It is a special day in which we will celebrate their wisdom, experience and ongoing contributions to society.
So, proudly being one of our nation’s senior citizens as an octogenarian, let’s reach out to the Merriam-Webster dictionary to view how the book identifies a person as a senior citizen and why. Are you ready?
They made it simple.
“An older adult especially one who is 65 years or older.”
Obviously, this is a condensed and abbreviated identification.
The first known use of the term senior citizen was uttered 108 years ago!
Whomever spoke those words remains a mystery today.
If you’re 65 or older, you already know the many different senior citizens discounts and benefits that has been disposed upon us.
From being at your favorite restaurant and asking for a “senior discount” seniors become acutely aware of the many benefits available. The list includes Medicare, Social Security, Housing and Prescription Drug Assistance, and of course, the list goes on.
According to the 2017 census, 47 million seniors live in the United States. Given that figure is now 9 years old, there is a very good chance it is higher today.
The thought is by 2060 that number will have doubled.
Make no mistake, seniors bring a wealth of knowledge, skill, experience and wisdom available to the next generation. Will they take advantage of it all? The answer in a word – doubtful.
Just for fun, let’s check your age and see what category fits you:
· Between 10-19 you are a DENARIAN
· 20-29 you are a VICENARIAN
· 30-39 you are a TRICENARIAN
· 40-49 you are a QUADRAGENARIAN
· 50-59 you are a QUINQUAGENARIAN
· 60-69 you are a SEXAGENARIAN
· 70-79 you are a SEPTUAGENARIAN
· 80-89 you are an OCTOGENARIAN
· 90-99 you are a NONAGENARIAN
· 100-109 you are a CENTENARIAN
· 110 or older you are a SUPERCENTENARIAN
When we hit a milestone birthday, our friends and family love to tease you about your elder age. I’m sure that has happened to you. One of their favorite targets seems to be the age of 50.
I received for my 50th birthday in 1988; a key chain holder that reads – “OVER THE HILL.” For me, it’s a reminder of reality.
On my birthday years ago, I was enroute to the Ashland Police Department with fellow Officer Tom Lynch (who incidentally is 3 months to the day older than me) when I noticed several signs hanging on poles near the sidewalks or anywhere a sign could be hung!
The content was a revelation that declared: “MIKE TUSSEY IS 50 Today!”
In the next few blocks another was seen that read: “MIKE TUSSEY IS GETTING OLD – HE’S 50 TODAY!”
Tom was loving it all with nothing but smiles galore. I accused him of treachery, but he has continually denied it for the last 37 years.
All in all, there were at least 12 signs posted for the public to see.
I received a call from Tom a few weeks ago and he asked me if I ever found out who posted all those signs. I told him he did it. He did confess it was indeed his idea, but a friend of his, Greg Sutphin hung them all. Later that day, I had to remove each one myself. It all was in the spirit of friendship and fun. I loved it.
Three years passed by and this time on my 53rd birthday, I was told that on the marquee of the Paramount theater downtown, was a sign that simply read – “MIKE TUSSEY IS 53.”
Tom denied it all, but did confess she was a friend of both of us – Stella Whitlow who got the job done.
As you can see, our friends and family love to point out our age with humor to us from time to time. That’s what friends do.
In 2009, I was invited to come back home to Ashland and be the keynote speaker for the 56th annual Old Timers Breakfast. I thoroughly enjoyed that morning so much. Indeed, it was a long drive, but great to see so many senior friends I have enjoyed over the many years. I would love to do it again one year.
Here’s some good advice – spend time with the senior citizens you know and love. Let them know they are appreciated and their friendship is a treasure. It may even be a good time to volunteer to assist at a retirement home. Share that great smile of yours with those who may not otherwise get a smile at all. If you are a senior be sure and ask for senior discounts. Those discounts are out there; you must ask for them.
Speaking of more local senior citizen activities – be sure and contact the Northern Kentucky Senior Olympic Games for senior citizens 50 on up.
Take it from me, it’s a ton of fun. I have my Gold Medals to prove it. Everything from shooting basketball to golf, from shuffleboard to bocce ball.
Call 859-292-2151 for all the information. You can also visit the Facebook NKY Senior Olympics page for photos and more information. Circle your calendar.
The Senior Olympics Spring games concluded in May, and the winter games will begin in January 2027.
The key to it all, is to keep active and have fun.
If you’re a senior citizen, keep smiling.
Finally, I can certainly relate to what the legendary comedian GEORGE BURNS once said because of the Octogenarian I am:
“BY THE TIME YOU’RE EIGHTY YEARS OLD, YOU HAVE LEARNED EVERYTHING. YOU ONLY HAVE TO REMEMBER IT.”
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.