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Older Americans Month is a program of the U.S. Department of Human Services Administration on Aging. 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. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month." Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition. Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities. Within Older Americans Month comes a special week. Homes for the Aging Week, developed by Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance, begins each year on Mother's Day. It is a way to honor all residents of nursing homes, assisted living homes and senior housing. It also presents a special time to honor caregivers, those who spend their life's work assuring that older adults can age with dignity in the place they call home. MHHA's program of Older Americans Month/Homes for the Aging Week each year has a distinct theme apart from the Administration on Aging program. It is promoted via the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) and AAHSA affiliates who franchise with MHHA to offer the products. MHHA's products are suitable for year-round use. Assisted Living facilities often hold special events in September and communities often have summer festivals that include senior communities in their events. Whatever your celebration or special event, we hope you find MHHA Older Americans Month/Homes for the Aging Week products helpful in promoting a positive image of aging and aging services. If you have any suggestions for future products or themes, please contact Jenny Mims at MHHA. Home page |
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