Each year, during the month of May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). In 2021, the designated theme is “Communities of Strength.”
This OAM, we invite you to join ACL, NCALL, and others around the country as we honor and celebrate the strength of older adults. Older adults have built up reserves of resilience and strength throughout their lives. Their experiences, knowledge, and contributions are invaluable supports and sources of inspiration to all. OAM provides an opportunity for us all to uplift positive perceptions of aging, honor the diversity of experiences across the lifespan, and call out harmful ageist stereotypes.
OAM will also shine a light on the important work of the dedicated professionals in the aging services network who help older adults live independently and with dignity in their homes and in their communities. Finally, OAM underscores how the power of connection and engagement builds strong communities. Connecting with others plays a vital role in our individual health and well-being and in that of our communities. Intergenerational contact has also been found to reduce ageism while fostering cross-generational bonding and understanding. We can find strength in building and nurturing cross-generational communities where individuals across the lifespan can thrive together.
Head to https://acl.gov/oam/2021/older-americans-month-2021 for materials, resources, and activity ideas to help you observe OAM and amplify #OlderAmericansMonth on social media.