Older Americans Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Older Americans Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Older Americans Month is observed on May 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Older Americans Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about Older Americans Month.

📅 What day is Older Americans Month 2024?

In 2024, Older Americans Month is on Monday, May 1st. It is the 1st Monday in May; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about May 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

In the United States, “Older Americans Month” is celebrated every May to recognize and pay tribute to the achievements of older individuals who have contributed to the nation, especially those who have served and protected it. The theme for Older Americans Month varies each year, focusing on different aspects of aging and older adults’ experiences. For example, in 2022, the theme is “Age My Way,” which emphasizes the importance of older people remaining active and engaged in their communities.

📜 Older Americans Month History

Originally, Older Americans Month was established to recognize and honor older Americans, past and present, for their contributions to the country, especially those who served in protecting it. Since then, every president has issued a formal proclamation in May or earlier, urging residents to show their appreciation for older Americans in their communities. According to the Administration for Community Living (A.C.L.), Older Americans Month has been celebrated annually since 1978 with a different theme. Initially, the focus was on older Americans and their families.

In 2019, the theme was Connect, Create, and Contribute, which encouraged older Americans to connect with their loved ones, friends, and available services; create by engaging in activities and hobbies; and contribute to their communities. The theme for 2020 was Make Your Mark, aiming to involve people of all ages, communities, and organizations in honoring older Americans. The theme for 2021 was Communities of Strength, highlighting the stories and achievements of older Americans who have helped and inspired others. In 2022, the theme for Older Americans Month is “Age My Way,” which emphasizes how older Americans can prepare to live independently in their communities while remaining in their own homes.

✅ Older Americans Month Facts

🔖 Four in five have chronic condition
Approximately 80% of elderly individuals experience at least one chronic condition such as heart disease, arthritis, or osteoporosis.

🔖 Only 3.6% are in nursing homes
Reports indicate that only a small proportion, specifically 3.6%, of individuals aged 65 and above reside in nursing facilities.

🔖 They are online
Based on data, more than half of Americans who are 65 years old and above use the internet.

👍 Why Is Older Americans Month Important

Older folks have made and continue to make contributions to the country. Older Americans Month allows all of us to recognize and thank them for their accomplishments.

The month can be a great opportunity for older Americans who want to stay active to get involved in their community. They may be able to organize an event or simply share their experiences with younger generations.

Younger generations can learn from older adults because they are involved in their communities. Their contributions and experiences might be motivating.

🙂 How To Observe Older Americans Month

⚡ Let older Americans lead
Organize an event where active elderly Americans take the lead to showcase their ongoing contributions to their communities. This event aims to highlight the fact that older individuals can still actively participate and make a difference.

⚡ Host a workshop
Older individuals have likely gone through a diverse set of experiences throughout their lives. Collaborating with your community to establish a program that allows elderly Americans to share their stories with younger generations could be valuable. Additionally, engaging in conversations between older and younger individuals could prove beneficial for both parties involved.

⚡ Host a musical event
The power of music lies in its ability to unite people. Let’s plan a musical gathering in our town, where individuals of all generations can come together to appreciate and participate in the joy of music.

📅 When is Older Americans Month?

Explore all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Older Americans Month. So be sure to check back soon.