Celebrate Older Americans Month!

When President John F. Kennedy first designated May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, only about  17 million Americans were age 65 or older. Today, the number of U.S. seniors is approximately 41.4 million, or 13.3 percent of the total population. One of every eight Americans is a senior citizen, and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2060, the number of older adults is expected to reach
92 million, or one of every five Americans. As the country’s senior population
continues to rise, so does the need for honoring these individuals for their continued strength, wisdom and experience that they share with their communities and beyond.

Many political and religious leaders are seniors, and seniors continue to lead successful companies due to their seasoned experience that brings a fresh perspective to contemporary issues. Millions of other older adults have retired to volunteer as youth mentors, literacy coaches, animal therapy guides, foster grandparents, hospital ambassadors and as countless other positive role models. While many older adults choose to serve by building houses, immunizing children or overseeing service groups, other seniors are limited by health and other concerns but still make an invaluable impact through their histories, their stories and their optimism.

This year’s “Unleash the Power of Age!” theme boldly honors the courageous and confident lives of elders who are making an invaluable impact through their activities, histories, stories and optimism.  Specific suggestions for involvement in Older Americans Month include:

• Arranging a service activity for older citizens to join together, such as collecting food for the homeless or reading to children.
• Setting up a continuing education/speaker series, inviting seniors as experts, professors or authors in their fields to give presentations.
• Planting a community garden where people of all ages can get outdoors together and grow healthy, fresh ingredients for their meals.
• Coordinating an exercise/sports day for the community in which older citizens can join with those younger to participate in exercise and sports that promote staying in shape at any age.
• Arranging a dance, drama or music performance for older adults and fellow community members to share their artistic talents.
• Painting a community mural as an artistic expression of all ages coming together to beautify their surroundings.

To find additional opportunities to celebrate older Americans, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or visit the Older Americans Month website at www.olderamericansmonth.acl.gov for further ideas to unleash the power and contributions of America’s more than 41 million older adults.

Share your stories and ideas for recognizing and celebrating the contributions of older Americans.

“We appreciate how Older Americans Month puts the spotlight on all elder adults who help inspire and challenge every one of us to lead lives of lasting purpose and giving back to others,” said LynnMarie Boltze, Client Relations with Right At Home Central Pinellas.  “Because Right at Home serves many of our nation’s older unsung heroes, we encourage all Americans to especially note May as a time to extend special appreciation for our older family, friends and neighbors.” Right at Home is a leading provider of in-home companion and personal care to senior citizens and other adults.

About Right at Home of Central Pinellas

The Central Pinellas office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Dunedin and Central Pinellas. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central Pinellas at www.RAHCentralPinellas.cim, 727-437-4170 or by email at info@RAHCentralPinellas.com.