Age My Way 2022: May is Older Americans Month
Each May the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Home Page | ACL Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2022 theme is Age My Way, an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.
Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way.
Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to celebrate our parents, grandparents and all of those special older individuals who have impacted our own lives. Let’s all look for opportunities to give back to the older adults in our lives and to help them live more independently as they age.
while Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider:
Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.
Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone.
Watch for announcements in your local area for activities and events celebrating Older American Month in May 2022: Age My Way! Get involved. Share in the event or celebration with an older adult. Offer transportation. Donate to a cause. Cheer on the older adults in your life.
History
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens met to address the growing concerns of America’s 17 million individuals ages 65 and older. At the time, one-third of all seniors lived in poverty with few social programs available to help support them.
To raise awareness of the problems facing seniors and to honor them, then-President Kennedy and the Council proclaimed May as Senior Citizens Month.
Senior Citizens Month Becomes Older Americans Month
Two years later, in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson passed the Older Americans Act of 1965 and formally declared May as Older Americans Month. But the act did much more than raise awareness or encourage community involvement – although it did both of these things well.
Johnson took Kennedy’s proclamation and intentions a step further by taking action that resulted in positive change, financial assistance and federal support for older Americans.
The Older Americans Act
- Established the Administration on Aging, the first federal agency designed to address the struggles of older Americans.
- Introduced nutrition programs, transportation assistance, federally funded adult day care, legal assistance and other services for seniors.
- Paved the way to passing the Medicare program to offer health care to seniors
Older Americans Month in the Recent Past
The proclamation didn’t end with Johnson, either. Every president since has offered a formal proclamation declaring May as a time to remember and honor older Americans. Communities organize events, fairs, and fundraisers focusing on seniors.
If Craft Lifestyle Management can assist you with home modifications to help you age in place, please reach out to us.
We’ve been celebrating and serving older Americans for over three decades and are ready to assist you in your time of transition. Homepage – Services – Craft Lifestyle Management (craftlifestylemgt.com)
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