May Is Older Adults Month

May is Older Americans Month.  It has been proclaimed as such since the time of President John F. Kennedy. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Now, our nation is in the midst of a boom in the aging population. Older people are living longer and staying healthier and more active much later in life. In 2011, the first wave of the 78 million baby boom generation turns 65. More than ever, we need to recognize the need for and give attention to ministries with older adults in our churches.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2007 is "Older Americans: Making Choices for a Healthier Future." Promotional materials and a poster can be found on the U.S. Administration on Aging Web site at: http://www.aoa.gov/press/oam/oam.asp.  Visit this site and plan to celebrate the vast contributions of older adults in our congregations.

May is also "Adult Abuse Prevention Month." Online access to adult abuse prevention resources can be found at www.SeniorNavigator.com.  You will find resources that can be downloaded to help educate your congregation and increase public awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and persons with disabilities.