Did you know that May is Older Americans Month?
In April of 1963 President Kennedy signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring May as “Senior Citizens Month”. At that time very few programs existed to assist older adults and nearly one-third lived in poverty and President Kennedy created Senior Citizens Month helped to bring attention to these issues. This public recognition served as the precursor to what has become known as Older Americans Month. For the last 52 years every single U.S. President has issued a proclamation designating May as a month to acknowledge Older Americans and the contributions they make to society.
2015’s Older American’s Month Theme is “Get Into the Act”. This theme celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act. At the same time, the focus of activities nationwide will focus on the way older adults are engaged in their communities and making an impact.
For more information about Older American’s Month visit the Administration for Community Living’s website at http://www.acl.gov/newsroom/observances/oam/2015/
Michigan also has a major event coming up in June. On June 2, 2015 over 800 older adults will gather on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn for Older Michiganians Day. This is the seventh year this advocacy event has taken place and gives older Michiganians the opportunity to talk directly with their legislators about issues impacting older adults. 2015’s event theme is “A Voice for Michigan’s Aging” and advocacy efforts will be centered on improving access to affordable long-term supports and services, elder abuse prevention, improving accessibility for seniors in the community and supporting caregivers. There are currently over two million older adults in the state of Michigan, this is equal to over 20% of the total state population. Older Michiganians day gives them, as well as their friends and supporters, a chance to be heard by lawmakers. If you would like to learn more about this event or participate please visit www.oldermichiganiansday.com for more details.
Information on both of these celebrations, as well as other upcoming events can also be found at tcoa.org