May is Older Americans Month … a time to recognize the contributions of older Americans.
What is Older Americans Month?
When Older Americans Month was established over 50 years ago in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday.
About a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and few programs met their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing.
A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to the designation of May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”
Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country.
Since Kennedy’s time, every president has issued a formal proclamation during or before May, asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities.
With over 55.8 million or 16.8% of people today over 65, according to the 2020 census, there is much to celebrate and honor. Older Americans Month is celebrated nationwide through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.
This year, the U.S. Administration on Aging, which is now part of the Administration for Community Living under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is promoting the theme “Powered by Connection.”
The 2024 theme was chosen to “recognize the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.” According to the Administration for Community Living, the theme underscores connectedness’s vital role in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.
Here are some ways the ACL suggests that you can participate:
Share facts about social connection’s mental, physical, and emotional health benefits and how it contributes to overall well-being.
Promote resources that help older adults engage, like community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
Connect older adults with local services, such as transportation that can help them overcome obstacles to achieving or maintaining meaningful relationships.
Encourage partners to host a connection-centric event or program focused on older adult mentors to youth, peer-to-peer support, or similar efforts.
Challenge professional and personal networks to prioritize meaningful social connections and share the benefits. Inspire older adults to share what connection means to them on social media using the hashtag #PoweredByConnection.