May is Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month (OAM) is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of past and current older adults in our society.
It’s a month set aside to recognize older Americans’ wisdom, resilience, and experience, shedding light on issues that impact their well-being, aiming to guarantee that their aging process is dignified and financially secure.
When is Older Americans Month 2024?
Older Americans Month is observed annually in May. 2024 will occur from May 1st to May 31st, providing a month to honor and appreciate older adults nationwide.
Ensuring the safety of our 55.8 million older population requires adequate resources to protect them from the risks of abuse and neglect. One effective strategy is to encourage continued involvement in community and social activities. This helps older adults stay connected, engaged, and supported, reducing their vulnerability to mistreatment and neglect.
That is why, on this 61st anniversary of Older Americans Month, the theme is “Empowered through Connection.” This theme acknowledges the significant influence that meaningful relationships and social connections exert on our health and overall well-being.
History of Older Americans Month
The term “older Americans” typically refers to individuals aged 65 and over.
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month has a rich history rooted in the efforts of President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens.
“When Older Americans Month was founded in 1963, only 17 million Americans had turned 65. David Neuwirth, Senior Vice President of Investments at David Lerner Associates, Inc., says many lived in poverty, with limited programs to support their needs.
“Interest in addressing the concerns of older Americans was on the rise. A pivotal meeting between President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens in April 1963 led to the designation of the holiday. Originally designated as Senior Citizens Month, President Jimmy Carter later renamed Older Americans Month in 1980 to reflect older adults’ growing diversity and contributions.”
Like many other observance months, Older Americans Month features a yearly theme established by the Administration on Aging and the Administration on Community Living, both components of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Who Gets Involved in Older Americans Month?
Older Americans Month is not just for older adults themselves—it’s a time for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the older members of their communities. Families, caregivers, community organizations, and policymakers all play a role in recognizing and supporting older Americans this month.
Older Americans Month Participation Ideas
- Embrace the Chance for Transformation: Discover fresh passions, embark on adventures, and defy limits imposed by age. Embrace creativity and purpose by exploring new community activities for growth, joy, and vitality.
- Explore the Benefits of Aging: With age comes wisdom, offering more profound understanding and confidence. Keep expanding knowledge through reading, listening, learning, and engaging in creative pursuits.
- Host a Family Celebration: Senior isolation is common in America. Organize a special gathering or virtual event to honor the older adults in your family. Share stories, create photo albums, and spend quality time together to show appreciation.
- Volunteer at Senior Centers: Want to give back? Contact local senior centers or assisted living facilities to see how you can volunteer your time and skills. Whether you lead a workshop, offer tech support, or chat with residents, your presence can make a big difference.
- Attend Community Events: Society flourishes when everyone is interconnected and engaged. Look for events and activities happening in your community during Older Americans Month. From health fairs to art exhibitions to fitness classes, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with and support older adults.
- Advocate for Older Adults: Get involved in advocacy efforts to support policies and programs that benefit older Americans. Write to your elected officials, participate in advocacy campaigns, and raise awareness about healthcare, housing, and financial security issues.
Conclusion
Older Americans Month is a time to celebrate older adults’ wisdom, experience, and contributions to our communities. It’s crucial to ensure that older adults can thrive and continue living in the communities they helped build in a safe, supported, and dignified manner.
David Lerner Associates is thrilled to commemorate Older Americans Month alongside our partners in the aging community. Strong communities are built on diversity. By honoring and supporting older Americans, we can create a more inclusive and age-friendly society for future generations.
Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable– we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.