MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
OAM History
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”
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 Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2021 is “Communities of Strength.”
Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others. This OAM, we will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
Join your local senior program
Join our Gentle Yoga classEvery Monday, Wednesday & Fridays at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
Email Sandy at SRivera@vailgov.com to receive an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
Join our Sensational & Super Seniors monthly book clubEmail ReNae Anderson, Director of Caregiver Connections at support@getcaregiverconnections.org for a Zoom invitation.
Learn of our long-time locals by browsing our 3 digital collections: Vintage Vail Quilt, Vail Valley Voices, and Art in Vail.Click here
