While it’s true that April showers bring May flowers, May also brings Older Americans Month (OAM), a month to celebrate our elders! When our elders thrive, are engaged and share their gifts, stories, experience and wisdom with all generations, our whole society benefits. And that is one of the reasons the Administration for Community Living, which leads our nation’s celebration of OAM, designed the 2017 OAM theme, Age Out Loud. This theme gives aging a new voice—one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say.
This theme also highlights many important trends. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. What it means to age has changed, and OAM 2017 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.
Join us, the ACL and many organizations, and families across the country in celebrating Older Americans Month and what it means to “age out loud.”
Here are some ideas from ACL’s website on how to get involved:
- Selfies – Take a pic of yourself and/or a friend with a sign stating: “I age out loud by…” or “Age out loud because…” Include the hashtags #OAM17 and #AgeOutLoud.
- Social Media – If you’re into social media, the ACL has many great graphics demonstrating the many fun, engaging and important ways to “age out loud.”
- Stories – Share your stories on what it means to you to “age out loud”. We’d love to hear them. Email us at kfletcher@cahealthadvocates.org.
- Events – Community events are great ways to celebrate and educate. This section provides fun ideas and tips for creating celebratory, volunteer and educational events.
Thanks for your participation and please spread the word!
