May 1-31

Older Americans Month

Let's honor and celebrate the wisdom, strength, and contributions of our older Americans this month! Happy Older Americans Month!

Yearly Date

May 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Older Americans Month on May 1, a time to honor and appreciate the senior citizens in our lives. This month-long celebration has been around since 1963, when it was first established by President John F. Kennedy as Senior Citizens Month. It was later renamed to Older Americans Month in 1980, and has since been a time for communities to recognize the contributions and achievements of older adults. So let's take this opportunity to show our love and gratitude to the wise and experienced individuals who have shaped our society in countless ways!

Older Americans Month Timeline

1963

Establishment of Senior Citizens Month

President John F. Kennedy first established Senior Citizens Month to honor older Americans and their contributions to society.

1980

Rename to Older Americans Month

Senior Citizens Month was officially renamed to Older Americans Month, to more inclusively represent all Americans in their older age.

1999

Pastimes and Recreation Theme

For the first time, a themed approach was taken with “Older Americans: Our Stories Tell of Our Contributions”, showcasing the recreational activities that older Americans enjoy.

2017

Age Out Loud

The theme "Age Out Loud" was introduced to give aging a new voice—one that reflects what today's older adults have to say about aging.

2020

Covid-19 Pandemic Impact

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, various activities were moved to online platforms, such as virtual meetings and web seminars, to protect the health of older adults.

2021

Communities of Strength

The theme "Communities of Strength" was chosen to honor the strength of older adults and the Aging Networks, their community of family, friends, and neighbors, which has kept us strong throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

How to Celebrate Older Americans Month

1 Host a senior talent show

Gather the older members of your community and showcase their talents in a fun and entertaining talent show. This is a great way to celebrate their skills and bring people together.

2 Plan a day trip to a nearby attraction

Take a group of seniors on a day trip to a local attraction, such as a museum, zoo, or botanical garden. This is a great way to get them out of the house and enjoy some new experiences together.

3 Organize a volunteer project for seniors

Get seniors involved in giving back to their community by organizing a volunteer project specifically for them. This could be anything from helping at a local food bank to knitting blankets for the homeless.

4 Host a senior game night

Invite seniors to a game night where they can play their favorite board games, card games, or even video games. This is a great way for them to socialize and have some fun.

5 Create a memory book

Gather photos and stories from the older members of your community and put together a memory book for them to cherish. This is a great way to honor their lives and the contributions they have made.

Why We Love Older Americans Month

It honors the contributions of older Americans

Older Americans Month is a chance to celebrate and recognize the significant impact that older adults have on society. They have contributed to the growth and development of our communities, and it's important to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts.

It raises awareness about important issues facing seniors

During Older Americans Month, there is often a focus on addressing challenges that older individuals may face, such as healthcare, social isolation, and financial security. This can help bring attention to these important issues and encourage support and change for older adults.

It promotes intergenerational connections

Older Americans Month reminds us of the valuable wisdom and experiences that older generations can offer. It also provides an opportunity for young people to learn from these individuals and forge meaningful connections across different age groups.