National Centenarian's Day – Sep. 22, 2026

National Centenarian's Day
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ElderlyLifestyle
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United States
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Every September 22
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National Centenarian’s Day celebrates individuals who have reached the remarkable age of 100 every September 22. This special day encourages us to honor their incredible life journeys, listen to their wisdom, and appreciate their contributions to society. Take time to connect with centenarians, share their stories, and recognize their enduring spirit.

Want to sponsor National Centenarian's Day? Learn how

Expected National Centenarian's Day Deals

National Centenarian’s Day is a time for appreciation rather than commercial deals, focusing on honoring those who have reached 100 years. Many organizations and businesses offer special recognition programs or small gestures. For instance, local senior centers often host events, while some restaurants might provide complimentary meals to centenarians and their families. Healthcare providers like Aetna or Humana may highlight wellness programs for seniors, and retailers specializing in adaptive living, such as Lowe’s or The Home Depot, might promote services that support independent living. Non-profits like the Meals on Wheels America often see increased donations and volunteer efforts. We will update this page with confirmed recognition events and community initiatives as September 22 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Centenarian's Day

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CentenariansDay. Share stories and photos of centenarians in your community.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CentenariansDay. Post inspiring quotes or short video interviews with centenarians.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #CentenariansDay. Highlight workplace initiatives supporting older adults or share insights from centenarian entrepreneurs.

Social Media Tips for National Centenarian's Day

Individuals

Spend time with a centenarian you know, listening to their stories and offering a thoughtful gift or card to show your appreciation.

Creators

Produce a short documentary or interview series featuring centenarians, capturing their unique perspectives on life, history, and change.

Brands

Launch an employee recognition program for centenarian employees or those approaching 100, celebrating their dedication and experience.

Partners & Brands for National Centenarian's Day

  1. AARP

    Founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. It provides information, advocacy, and services to its millions of members.

  2. Meals on Wheels America

    Established in 1974, Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the U.S. that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation.

  3. Humana

    Founded in 1961, Humana is a leading health and well-being company committed to helping millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. They offer a range of insurance products, often with a focus on senior care.

  4. Brookdale Senior Living

    As one of the largest operators of senior living communities in the United States, Brookdale Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. They provide environments designed for older adults.

  5. CVS Health

    CVS Health, founded in 1963, is a prominent healthcare company that includes CVS Pharmacy, CVS Caremark, and Aetna. They play a significant role in providing pharmacy services, health plans, and care solutions to an aging population.

  6. National Council on Aging (NCOA)

    The NCOA, founded in 1950, is a respected national leader working to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. They advocate for policies and programs that help seniors thrive.

  7. Philips Lifeline

    A service from Philips, Lifeline was established in 1974 and is a leading provider of personal alert systems for seniors. Their medical alert devices offer peace of mind and help older adults maintain independence in their homes.

National Centenarian's Day Hero

Jeanne Calment

Jeanne Calment (1875-1997) was a French supercentenarian who holds the undisputed record for the longest human lifespan, living to 122 years and 164 days. Her life spanned two centuries, witnessing profound technological and societal changes. Calment's remarkable longevity has been a subject of scientific study, offering insights into the factors contributing to extreme old age. She remains an iconic figure representing the ultimate potential of human lifespan.

History of National Centenarian's Day

Over the years, the human population and life expectancy have increased with a corresponding increase in the number of people who attain the age of 100. According to the United Nations, there are over 570,000 centenarians in the world currently. According to a 1998 demographic survey, Japan is expected to have 272,000 centenarians by 2050, with other sources suggesting the number could be much higher.

National Centenarian’s Day is a day to celebrate and honor those among us who have lived an entire century and to share in their wisdom, joys, and life as a whole. These precious members of society have seen the tragedies of the Great Depression and World Wars, the advent of the talking picture, the golden age of the radio and the invention of television, innovation of air travel, all the way to the exploration of space and the digital revolution — all in one lifetime.

Many cultures offer blessings and some countries give gifts to those who attain this age. Centenarians are often the subject of news stories, which often highlight the fact that they are over 100 years old. These reports provide cultural historians and researchers with deep insight into how the rest of society views this elderly population.

Centenarians will always be with us at each point in history, and all the memories of the lives they’ve lived will continue to live on when passed down.

National Centenarian's Day timeline

2500 B.C.
Emergence of Centenarians

People begin to reach the age of 100 after the world population has risen to about 100 million.

19th Century
The Term ‘Supercentenarian’ Comes into Existence

Those who have reached the age of 110 begin to be addressed as supercentenarians.

20th Century
National Centenarian's Day is Born

Williamsport Nursing Home establishes a day to celebrate centenarians.

21st Century
The Day is Popular and Observed

National Centenarian's Day gains popularity and is held all around the country.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Centenarian's Day

Local businesses can genuinely celebrate National Centenarian’s Day by acknowledging the remarkable lives of their oldest customers and community members. Restaurants might offer a special ‘Centenarian’s Meal’ or a complimentary dessert to those celebrating their 100th year. Retailers could feature displays highlighting products that support healthy aging or offer small discounts to seniors. Community centers can host intergenerational events, inviting centenarians to share their wisdom and stories with younger generations, fostering connection and respect.

National Centenarian's Day FAQs

When is National Centenarian's Day?

National Centenarian’s Day 2026 is observed on Tuesday, September 22. It’s a dedicated day to honor the incredible resilience and wisdom of individuals who have reached 100 years of age.

How many centenarians are there in the U.S.?

As of recent estimates, there are approximately 100,000 centenarians living in the United States. This number has been steadily growing, reflecting advances in healthcare and living conditions.

What is the average life expectancy in the U.S.?

The average life expectancy in the United States is currently around 77-79 years, though this can vary by gender and other demographic factors. Reaching 100 years significantly surpasses this average.

What is the difference between a centenarian and a supercentenarian?

A centenarian is an individual who has reached the age of 100 years. A supercentenarian, however, is someone who has lived to the age of 110 years or older. Both are exceptionally rare groups.

How To Celebrate and Participate in National Centenarian's Day

  1. Bring centenarians together for a chat

    Whether physically or virtually, get some centenarians together and have them share from their deep wells of wisdom. There’s no telling how much help the lessons learned will be for you.

  2. Create collections of things related to a centenarian you know

    Pictures, songs, facts, and stories are among some of the items and things you can gather from the aged on this day. Go out and get as many of them as you can. They will surely be glad to share.

  3. Host a party for centenarians

    They may be old, but not necessarily too old for parties. Organize a party with some good old music, food, and activities that will interest 100 year olds. Their hearts will be gladdened and so will yours.

5 Facts About Supercentenarians

  1. It’s living for a century and a decade

    A supercentenarian is someone who has reached the age of 110.

  2. Rare among centenarians

    This age is achieved by about one in 1,000 centenarians.

  3. The world has only a handful of them

    It is estimated that there should be between 300 and 450 living supercentenarians in the world.

  4. The first was Dutch

    The first verified supercentenarian in human history was Dutchman Geert Adriaans Boomgaard who lived from 1788 to 1899.

  5. U.S. has most of them

    The United States has the highest total number of supercentenarians.

Why We Love National Centenarian's Day

  1. Centenarians are a huge treasure

    With all the years of experiences and lessons behind them, centenarians are precious members of society. Even though they’re very old, they are still very valuable.

  2. They help us value history more

    When tales of past events are being told by someone who was around when it happened, it helps us have much appreciation for the events that have brought things to where they are now.

  3. We partake of their pure joy

    The gentle smile of a 100 year old is so endearing. It alone can stir up your heart and infuse in you a certain joy like nothing else. This day helps us see as many of those smiles as we can.

National Centenarian's Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 22 Tuesday
2027 September 22 Wednesday
2028 September 22 Friday
2029 September 22 Saturday
2030 September 22 Sunday