Celebrate Older Americans Month in May

Older Americans Month: A whole month to celebrate our seniors

 

Each May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize older Americans for their contributions to the nation. This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA), the focus is on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. The theme for Older Americans Month 2015 is Get into the Act.

 

Older Americans Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of community engagement as a tool for enhancing the wellbeing of older adults. Now’s the time to “Get into the Act” to make the benefits of community living a reality for a greater number of older Americans.

 

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. Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.

 

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet 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 designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”

 

Today, older Americans are disrupting stereotypes of aging. They reject the idea that their possibilities are limited by their age. They’re doing triathlons or reaching career peaks or learning new software or fulfilling a lifelong desire to create a business. They — we — embrace aging as something to look forward to, not something to fear. We recognize that even though growing older has its challenges, it also offers opportunities.

 

 

Yet with longer lives, older Americans still face important issues. This year’s focus is on:

 

·       Retirement Security:
Financial security is essential to peace of mind, but it requires attention during our working lives to ensure that we are well prepared.

·       Healthy Aging:
As medicine advances, the opportunities for older Americans to maintain their health and vitality also should progress. Communities can promote this vitality. For instance, many communities are reshaping their streets and sidewalks to accommodate drivers, pedestrians, transit users and cyclists of all ages. But more cities and towns need a nudge to start this important work.

·       Remaining Independent Programs
Programs for people who need help to continue living independently and for the family members who care for them. Older Americans prefer to remain independent in the community as they age. They need support to do so, including a caregiving network.

·       Elder Justice:
Older Americans can be vulnerable to financial exploitation, abuse and neglect. We need to protect seniors and other vulnerable groups from scam artists.

 

Together we can promote healthy aging, increase community involvement for older adults, and tackle important issues like the prevention of elder abuse. Let’s all get into the act and help celebrate Older Americans Month. Downloadable logos, posters, articles and other materials are available here.

 

Alternative for Seniors is proud to celebrate and participate in Older Americans Month. Visit the Alternatives for Seniors website and be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter.

 

BLOG Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen