Event Series: Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month

Name: Older Americans Month
Start: 2027-05-01T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2027-05-01T23:59:59-05:00

May 1, 2027

May is Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month is a special observance each year. Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. Older Americans Month reminds the public to participate in activities that promote mental and physical wellness. In addition, to offer wisdom and experience to the next generation. And, further, to seek the mentorship of someone with more life experience than you. Those are just a few examples of what being engaged can mean. In addition, it’s important to discuss how communities can combat stereotypes about aging. Join us in promoting flexible thinking about aging. We all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.

The awareness colors related to Older Americans Month are a combination of purple, green, and blue. Choose one of the colors and wear an enamel awareness ribbon pin to call attention to this important month. We also offer fabric ribbons and silicone awareness wristbands to highlight the importance of this yearly observation.

Powered By Connection

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). This is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities. The 2024 theme was Powered by Connection. This theme recognized the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. It further explored the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues. Join us in promoting the benefits of connecting with others.

In addition, here are some ways you can participate:

Share facts about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection and how it contributes to overall well-being.
Promote resources that help older adults engage, like community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
Connect older adults with local services, such as transportation, that can help them overcome obstacles to achieving or maintaining meaningful relationships.
Encourage partners to host a connection-centric event or program focused on older adult mentors to youth, peer-to-peer support, or similar efforts.
Challenge professional and personal networks to prioritize meaningful social connections and share the benefits.
Inspire older adults to share what connection means to them on social media using the hashtag #PoweredByConnection.

Lastly, here are some ideas for celebrating Older Americans Month:

Promote social connection. Share facts about the benefits of social connection for mental, physical, and emotional health. Encourage people to prioritize meaningful social connections in their personal and professional lives.
Connect older adults with resources. Promote resources that help older adults engage, such as community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Connect older adults with local services, such as transportation or counseling, that can help them maintain relationships and access support.
Host connection-centric events. Host events or programs where older adults can mentor younger people or peers, or participate in similar efforts.
Use social media. Share plans, stories, and events on social media using the hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift others. You could also challenge your followers to share their own thoughts and stories of connection.
Other activities. Consider other activities like fundraising events, group projects, bulletin boards, community gardens, or community betterment activities.