May is Older Americans Month, an opportunity not only to appreciate and honor aging citizens, but also to increase the focus on their unique needs and challenges.
The theme for this year, as designated by the Department of Health & Human Services Administration on Aging, is “Never Too Old to Play” and is an effort to encourage older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities.
Older Americans Month was first celebrated in 1963, and was referred to as “Senior Citizens Month.” At that time, only 17 million Americans were age 65 or older. In 2010 (the most recent date that data is available), there were 40.3 million Americans age 65 or older, representing 13 percent of the U.S. population. By 2050, they are expected to be 88.5 million people in this age group.
Throughout May, Diversity Best Practices will be providing special coverage of issues impacting older Americans, including "20 Organizations for Older Americans You Need to Know." Visit DiversityBestPractices.com on a regular basis during the month for more news and features. Follow--and join in on--our discussion of Older American’s Month and issues impacting older Americans on Twitter at @NxtGenDiversity and #olderamericansmonth.
