At EngAGE, we like to celebrate older people every day, but May is the official month for this special event. This year’s theme is “Blaze a Trail,” something our EngAGE community residents would support wholeheartedly!
From the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living:
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.
The Museum of Modern Art in New York celebrated Older Americans Month by offering free admission to anyone over 65 on May 1, and continuing discounts for the remainder of the month. If you know of any special programs or discounts this month in the Southern California area, please comment below and we’ll also share on Facebook and Twitter.
