Is Your Community Age Friendly?
Older Americans Month a Time to Act for Others as well as Ourselves When Older Americans Month began in May of 1963, there were 17 million Americans 65 years of age or older. One-third of whom were at or below the poverty level. What was then meant to draw attention to the basic unmet needs of so many elders, today stands as a rallying cry to acknowledge the value of 55 million older adults too often marginalized by the discrimination of Ageism. Prejudice based upon age impacts us all. It’s simply a matter of time.
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. We are pleased to announce the 2019 theme, Connect, Create, Contribute, which encourages older adults and their communities to:
- Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.
- Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
- Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.
Communities that encourage the contributions of older adults are stronger! By engaging and supporting all community members, we recognize that older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and lives.
Older Americans Month 2019 will include suggestions, resources, and material to celebrate older Americans and the communities of which they are a vital part. Visit acl.gov/oam in early 2019 for ways to get started, and starting now, promote the observance on social media using #OAM19 and #ConnectCreateContribute.
Everyone benefits when everyone can participate. We encourage you to connect, create, and contribute for stronger and more diverse communities this May, and throughout the year. Source
If you enjoyed this article, you will love GRAND – Living the Ageless Life – Click here to get free!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – JEFF RUBIN
Jeff Rubin is a consultant on community and aging issues, the author of Wisdom of Age, and a recent honoree of the Maria Shriver “Architect of Change of the Week” Award. Having spent over 20 years as a director and facilitator of community service programs at the local, state and national levels, he is today an advocate for “Age-friendly” and “Livable” communities, Mr. Rubin is currently working to advance positive aging in Kentucky and worldwide. He invites your comments, involvement, and support. Jeff can be reached at Jeffrubin515@gmail.com.
