Senior Citizens Day 2026 in the United States

National Senior Citizens Day recognizes contributions senior citizens make in communities across the United States. It is annually observed on the third Sunday of August.

Is Senior Citizens Day a Public Holiday?

Senior Citizens Day is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, August 16, 2026 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States.

What Do People Do?

Various events and activities are organized on Senior Citizens Day to raise awareness of supporting older people and recognizing their achievements. Some people raise awareness through social media and news stories, while others organize special community gatherings inviting senior citizens, their families, friends and volunteers. Some businesses give special discounts or deals to senior citizens on or around the third Sunday of August.

Public Life

National Senior Citizens Day is an observance and not a public holiday in the US.

Background

Some people celebrate Senior Citizens Day on August 14 as it was the day past US president Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935. However, in 1988 Ronald Reagan, who was the US president at the time, declared the third Sunday of August to be National Senior Citizens Day.

This observance was established in honor of senior citizens in the US who made positive contributions in their communities. The day was also created to bring awareness of social, health, and economic issues that affect senior citizens.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.