Help Celebrate “Older Americans Month” #OlderAmericansMonth

May is Older Americans Month, what is it and why you should get involved

“As human beings, we value the experience that comes with age. We are reminded over and over again with statements like ‘older and wiser’ and ‘respect your elders,’ promoting age as something to be cherished and respected.” – Jenna Morasca

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As we observe “Older Americans Month” this May, we encourage everyone to honor the seniors/elderly in our lives. Older Americans are the closest thing we have to time travel—they are the eyes and ears of our country’s past and can help us re-live days long gone. We can also continue to honor them by helping them preserve precious memories and photos. Use social media to hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth, give seniors a hug, and your time. Listen to their life stories and celebrate them. Visit a senior center today.

Read their stories and the power of family photos to nostalgically revisit a family’s history.

When it comes to the health risks posed by summer heat, seniors are the most vulnerable — a mere 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature increases death rates in the elderly with a chronic health condition. Details from Alarm.org:

Attribution via https://www.alarms.org

A ScanMyPhotos e-gift certificate will enable the seniors in your life to digitize their analog memories to pass down to future generations. Learn more.

Older Americans Month Resources (source)

The following websites offer information and tools to help you blaze trails as you age. Share your stories. In addition to these resources, check out the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging. It connects older adults, their families, and caregivers to information on local services and support. Topics range from volunteerism and healthy aging to legal assistance and transportation. Visit Eldercare.gov or call 800-677-1116 to learn what is available in your community.

Wellness
Securing Your Finances
Reinvention
Civic Engagement

Wellness

Brain Health
Source: Administration for Community Living

Falls Prevention
Source: National Council on Aging

Go4Life Exercise & Physical Activity Campaign
Source: National Institute on Aging

Healthy Eating As We Age
Source: USDA

Long-term Care Planning
Source: Department of Health and Human Services

Older Adults and Oral Health
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Sleep and Aging
Source: National Institutes of Health

Securing Your Finances

Advanced Care Planning Fact Sheets
Source: AoA’s Eldercare Locator

Elder Abuse (including Financial Exploitation)
Source: Administration on Aging

Elder Fraud and Financial Exploitation
Source: Federal Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force

Financial Protection for Older Americans
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

OnGuard Online
Source: Office of Justice Programs

Protect Your Pocketbook: Tips to Avoid Financial Exploitation (PDF)
Source: AoA’s Eldercare Locator

Scammed? Now what … (PDF)
Source: National Council on Elder Abuse

Reinvention

Arts and Aging Toolkit for Organizations
Source: National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, National Center for Creative Aging, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Directory of Creative Aging Programs
Source: National Center for Creative Aging

Participating in Activities You Enjoy—More Than Just Fun and Games
Source: National Institute on Aging

Ready for Your Second Career?
Source: AARP Bulletin

Second Acts for the Greater Good
Source: Encore.org

Senior Community Service Employment Program
Source: Department of Labor