Remember Older Americans All Year Long

In May we recognized Older Americans Month, a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults. This year’s theme, “Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities,” speaks to the opportunities we have to create better care and reinforce healthier societies for all ages. The elderly is one of my company’s (Administaff) four focus areas for Community Involvement, with an aim to ensure that our communities’ elders are not merely taken care of, but are cared for. The Company’s efforts include social interaction, meals to maintain optimum nutrition, and assistance with home repairs and improvements.

The United States is nearing the start of a tremendous demographic shift. Beginning in 2011, the first of the 78 million baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) will start transitioning into retirement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of every nine baby boomers will live to at least age 90.

Our nation will benefit in many ways from a larger population of older adults, a group that constitutes one of our greatest resources. Older adults support our society by providing millions of hours of volunteer, community and civic service through formal organizations and a variety of informal arrangements. They enhance our communities and personal lives by sharing and transferring knowledge of cultures, values and life experiences among generations. 

About Older Americans Month 

Times have changed for the better. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and there were few programs to meet their needs.

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 John F. Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May, asking that we pay tribute in some way to older persons in our communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.

Americans of all ages and backgrounds can honor older Americans all year long in numerous ways:

• Contact your local Agency on Aging and volunteer for activities in your area.
• Promote community, state and national efforts to serve older adults.
• Find ways to enrich the lives of the older adults who touch your life.

By working together, we can improve the health and well-being of our nation’s older adults and pave the way for future generations.

Additional Resource:

Our nation benefits in many ways from a larger population of older adults, a group that constitutes one of our greatest resources.