Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme this year is Flip the Script on Aging, which “focus on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging” The Administration for Community Living states that this annual celebration “encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions,” Join us in promoting flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.
Establishment of Older Americans Month
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.”
Historical Recognition
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.
Flip the Script on Aging
Here are some ways we can Flip the Script on Aging during Older American’s Month:
- Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
- Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
- Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community. A great place to find volunteer opportunities is JustServe.org.
- Form & deepen relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.
Older Americans Month Event
Today there are more than 73 million adults aged 65 and above in the United States. This is over one-fifth of the US Population, and these numbers will continue to grow rapidly over the next few decades. What does it mean to you to “Flip the Script on Aging”?
City of Dallas Office of Community Care & Empowerment Resource & Education Fair
Thursday, May 15th from 10am – 1pm at Tyler Street Church located at 927 W 10th Street, Dallas, TX 75208. The Office of Community Care & Empowerment, in partnership with AARP and Dementia Friendly Dallas, is excited to present a special Older Americans Month event focused on reimagining older adulthood. This event will feature a mix of entertainment, helpful resources, and engaging educational activities designed to empower and inspire older adults. Call 214-670-5227 for more information.
Related Observations
Several other organizations have awareness months related to Older American’s Month. This includes the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys which celebrates National Elder Law Month each May.
For more information about Older Americans Month, visit the official OAM website, follow the Administration for Community Living on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
