National Centenarian's Day

Celebrated on 09/22/2026

Quick Fact

National Centenarian's Day, observed on September 22, honors Americans aged 100 and older. The holiday was inspired by the growing number of centenarians—now over 100,000 in the U.S.—and aims to celebrate their wisdom and resilience.

Origins and Establishment of National Centenarian's Day

National Centenarian's Day was first proposed in 2018 by a group of gerontologists and senior advocacy organizations to recognize the rapidly growing population of Americans aged 100 and older. The date September 22 was chosen to coincide with the start of autumn, symbolizing the late but vibrant stage of life. The holiday was officially recognized by a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate in 2019, with support from the National Institute on Aging and AARP.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially marked by local events in retirement communities and nursing homes, National Centenarian's Day has grown into a nationwide observance. Today, it is celebrated with virtual and in-person gatherings, storytelling sessions, and intergenerational activities. Social media campaigns like #CentenarianDay share photos and wisdom from centenarians. Many cities issue proclamations, and the U.S. Census Bureau releases special reports highlighting demographic trends among the oldest Americans.

Facts & General Observations

• As of 2023, the United States has over 100,000 centenarians, a number projected to exceed 600,000 by 2060.
• Women make up about 80% of centenarians worldwide.
• The oldest verified living person, as of 2024, is 115-year-old Maria Branyas Morera of Spain, but the U.S. has the second-highest number of centenarians after Japan.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.