Older Americans Month

Introduction of Older Americans Month
For nearly 35 years, the President of the United States has designated May as Older Americans Month. This coming May, the nation will have another opportunity to recognize the valuable and often inspirational contributions of our 34 million older Americans, their families, and caregivers.

The theme, "In the New Century....The Future is Aging," spotlights the impact which longevity will have on nearly every aspect of society in the coming years—from our health and long term care needs, to our economic security, to our housing and living arrangements, to our retirement plans, and to our leisure time. To achieve and maintain quality of life in the older years, we must all anticipate a range of economic, health, and social needs and undertake our own life course planning.

History of Older Americans Month
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. 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, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."

Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition.

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 JFK 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.

AoA - Administration on Aging
A comprehensive overview of a wide variety of topics, programs and services related to aging.

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