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Klockwork: In Recognition of the Greediest Generation
Dutch Treat: A Disciplined Copilot and Piracy on the Indian Ocean
May Is Older Americans Month
By
Stephen Baetge
Staff Writer
May
is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is “Working
Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities.”
Older Americans Month was established in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy’s
meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a precursor to
what was then known as Senior Citizens Month. At that time, only 17 million living
Americans had reached their 65th birthday. Approximately one-third of older Americans
lived in poverty, and there were very few programs available to meet their needs.
Every president since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the
month of May requesting that the entire nation acknowledge and pay tribute to
older people in their communities. In 1980, the name was changed to Older Americans
Month.
Much has changed since 1963. The most recent census counts over 37 million American
over the age of 65. The number of seniors living in poverty has declined to less
than 10 percent. What remains unchanged is the purpose of Older Americans Month.
Older Americans Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions
older persons have made to our country; in particular, those who defended our
country during wartime.
Older Americans Month gives us a chance to demonstrate how America benefits from
a group of people that constitute one of this country’s greatest natural
resources.
Older adults play a crucial role in our society by providing millions of hours
of volunteer, community and civic service through formal organizations and a
variety of informal arrangements.
Seniors enhance our communities and personal lives by sharing and transferring
knowledge of their cultures, values and life experiences to new generations.
The expanding older adult population also spotlights society’s responsibility
to ensure the well-being of older citizens and to address older adults’ unique
health and long-term care challenges.
Older Americans Month is a great time to bring attention to the various issues
that affect older adults. This year’s theme, “Working Together for
Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities,” highlights the opportunities
to create better care and reinforce a healthier society for all ages.
The focus of this year’s Older Americans Month is to help seniors make
behavioral changes in their lifestyles that can reduce the risk of disease, disability
and injury.
Also at the forefront is an effort to provide seniors with the tools they need
to make informed decisions about and gain better access to existing health and
long-term care options in their communities. Aging in place and avoiding placement
in nursing homes for as long as possible is also a critical component.
Americans of all ages and backgrounds should celebrate Older Americans Month.
Interested persons should contact their local senior center or Agency on Aging
to volunteer for activities and promote their community, state and national efforts
to serve older adults and find ways to enrich their lives.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
