Although this May looks quite different than any May in past, this month is still the time to celebrate the many contributions of older adults! Older Americans Month (OAM) has been recognized every May since 1963 as a time for people across the country to pay tribute to older adults in their communities. With over 44 million people in the United States today over 65, there is much to celebrate and honor.
The theme for 2020 Older Americans Month is Make Your Mark. The theme was selected to encourage and celebrate all of the ways that older adults are making a difference in their communities – as volunteers, employees, caregivers, family members, and community leaders.
OAM is overseen by the Administration on Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that supports older adults and people with disabilities. ACL has compiled a list of OAM activities for older adults to share their stories and inspire their communities. They have also developed a resource list of ways for older individuals to stay engaged virtually during this period of social distancing.
ACL provides additional resources to help older adults stay healthy and independent. Among these is the Eldercare Locator, a public service that connects older adults and their caregivers to services. The ACL also manages the Administration on Aging, the agency designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act.
To learn more about Older Americans Month 2020, visit https://acl.gov/oam/2020/older-americans-month-2020.