The month of May is winding down, but it still serves as a reminder to celebrate older Americans.  Did you know that we especially commemorate aging adults during Older Americans Month every May.

In 2024, the theme selected is:  “Powered by Connection”. This reminds us all of the importance of social interactions and relationships in enhancing the well-being of our older population.

As a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve older adults, Friends Life Care cares about older adults and their holistic health and well-being.

History of Older Americans Month

The history of Older Americans Month dates back to 1963 when President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens designated May as Senior Citizens Month, which was later renamed Older Americans Month.

It was a step to acknowledge the contributions of older persons, especially those who defended our country. Since then, every president has issued a formal proclamation to honor older Americans.

More About This Year’s Theme

This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” invites seniors and baby boomers to engage in activities that foster connections within their communities.

From sharing stories and experiences to participating in local events, there are numerous ways for seniors to get involved and celebrate their month.

Power Up Your Connections

Here are some ways seniors and baby boomers can power up their own connections:

• Share personal stories and the benefits of staying connected for mental, physical, and emotional health.
• Attend or organize community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities to engage with others.
• Use social media to spread the message of connection using the hashtag #PoweredByConnection.

Let’s Celebrate Older Americans

Older Americans Month is not just a time for celebration but also a reminder of the valuable role seniors hold in our society. It’s a call to action for all of us to ensure that we create communities where older adults can continue to thrive and contribute their wisdom and experience.

As we observe Older Americans Month, let’s embrace the power of connection and the spirit of participation. Let’s celebrate the remarkable contributions of our seniors and support them in leading connected, fulfilling lives.

 

Sources

ACL Administration for Community Living, https://acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024

History of Older Americans Month | ACL Administration for Community Living, https://acl.gov/oam/history

Older Americans Month 2024 Theme: Powered by Connection, https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/older-americans-month-2024-theme-powered-connection