Senior Citizens Day 

Glenn Harper

Gloria Towne | All Around Towne Photography

August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day, created in 1988 when then-President Ronald Reagan signed the official proclamation to honor older adults for their life achievements, wisdom and vital contributions to our society. 

In addition to appreciation for seniors and the important roles we play, the day is a reminder of the importance of activities and programs that promote wellness and bring attention to issues like health care, long-term planning and elder abuse prevention.  

The word "senior" comes from the Latin word "senior," meaning older or elder. It is the comparative form of "senex," which means old. Related Latin roots include "senatus" (senate). 

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but until I was in my 50s, I had naive faith in our national government and that there would be “grown-ups in the room” who would put a stop to dangerous craziness before it got out of hand. For some reason, my inner-child didn’t realize, or accept, that distinguished looking old men in respected positions could still be greedy, petty, vain and cowardly. 

I had an image in my mind of a senator as a wise and benevolent elder, who sought to protect and care for the people under their leadership. I still carry that ideal within me, but I’m sorely disappointed to discover that the people serving in the highest positions of authority and trust seem to be willing to sacrifice their integrity and legacy for money and power, to the point of betraying their own age group! 

Several key federal and community-based programs supporting older adults face funding uncertainties or proposed cuts. That includes Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) under Medicaid, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Housing and Urban Development grants for the elderly, and proposed adjustments or tighter rules impacting Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. (1), (2), (3) and (4). 

The JOLT is all about local news, which is why I’m going to bring this train of thought back home. Cuts in funding for federal programs that we’ve relied on for well over 50 years affect all of us seniors right here in Thurston County. 

Fortunately, we have a wonderful spirit of community and local organizations providing resources to support elders in Thurston County. To name a few: 

Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging: Part of a national network of agencies on aging mandated by the Older Americans Act (5), Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) helps older adults, unpaid family caregivers, and adults living with disability find local support in the three county area. 

Senior Services for South Sound: "Founded in 1973, Senior Services for South Sound has been dedicated to supporting seniors in our community for more than 50 years. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people as they age," states the group's website.

"Our programs and services include Brighter Days Adult Day Program, Meals on Wheels, Senior Community Dining, Senior Transportation, Supportive Services, Health and Wellness Programs, Trips & Tours Program, Adult Learning, and Independent Living Programs." 

Timberland Regional Library: TRL serves Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. As our world gets more dependent on technology for information and resources, libraries are a lifeline for seniors who may not have the skills or devices necessary to navigate this rapidly changing landscape. Local libraries provide essential assistance. 

TRL is celebrating Senior Citizens Day all month long. Check out their offerings here. 

Some programs of interest to seniors can be viewed here. 

A reading list of books for seniors can be found here.  

Recently, there was a controversy over laying off library staff and cutting service hours due to budget issues. Changes were immediately implemented to save several jobs in the short term, but funding is still an issue and a levy lift is going to be on your ballot in November.  Learn more about it here. 

City of Tumwater Senior Programs: "The Old Town Center (OTC) is a community resource center, offering a wide range of FREE and low-cost programs and activities to area seniors, states the senior programs website. For questions regarding the Old Town Center, call Call Ashley Degner at (360) 252-5499 ext. 3255 or send an email to adegner@ci.tumwater.wa.us," states the City of Tumwater website.  

 Senior Action Network:"The Senior Action Network is collection of member businesses in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis counties dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors through business development, resources and services. Our mission includes providing education to help enhance healthy, independent and secure lives for seniors in our community," states the group's website.

Even people not yet considered “seniors” are certainly seniors-in-training and can benefit from the plethora of information provided. 

 I hope you find these local resources helpful and feel free to add info about others in the comments. 

 Let’s make every day Senior Citizens Day!  

Glenn Harper provides support in aging and end of life. He is Chair of the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and board member of the Senior Action Network.  He facilitates several free Death Cafe and Elderhood Roundtable gatherings in the area where Elders are invited to talk about difficult topics in a nonjudgmental space. Learn more about these events here.