10 May Aging Unbound: Celebrating Older Americans Month 2023

May is a very special month for older adults living in the United States. Why? Because this is when we celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living. The theme for May 2023 is Aging Unbound, which provides a great opportunity to recognize the breadth of experiences that older adults possess. It’s also a great time to examine aging stereotypes. 

Did you know that the terms “senior,” “elderly,” and “old people” can promote mental images of older adults as being less competent and valued in their community? That’s why Vintage uses the term “older adults” as much as possible. It better reflects the range of aging experiences across the aging spectrum from 60-100+. 

This year, the theme of Aging Unbound challenges us to look at aging in a new way. Rather than viewing this stage of life as one of frailty and loss, Aging Unbound encourages us to celebrate the diversity of the aging experience.

And in an effort to help connect you with the Older Americans Month cause, here are some suggestions on how to get involved with the older adults in your life!

10 Ways You Can Make Older Americans Month Special In 2023

1. Volunteer at a local senior center or long-term care facility (aka nursing homes:) Visit and spend time with the older adults in your community. You can organize fun activities, such as crafts, games, and storytelling, or just pop in for a chat. Have a hobby you love? These are great places to find other passionate experts to level up your hobby.

2. Conduct an oral history project: Older adults have rich personal and historical experiences that we can learn from. Consider interviewing the elders in your family, neighborhood, or community and producing an oral history project that can be shared with others.

3. Share your skills and talents with older adults: Everyone has unique talents and skills. For example, you can teach computer skills, help them write their memoirs, or create a garden therapy program. 

4. Organize an intergenerational event: Create opportunities to engage individuals across the generational spectrum. Plan intergenerational activities, such as a field trip, storytelling, or concerts that bring people together in a meaningful way.

5. Conduct a friendly visit: Social isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. A simple visit can go a long way in making socially isolated older adults feel less alone. You can make a call or send a card, flowers, or a small gift to show your appreciation and care. 

6. Host a dinner or potluck: Consider having an old-fashioned dinner or potluck with your friends and family members. Sharing delicious food and memories can be a great way to celebrate Older Americans Month.

7. Sponsor an older adult for a day: You can make someone feel special by sponsoring a trip to their favorite spot, such as a museum, park, or historical site. For individuals on a fixed income, outings like these can be an unaffordable luxury. A sponsored adventure can go a long way to help isolated older adults reconnect with their community. 

8. Engage in social media activism: You can use social media platforms to raise awareness of the issues that affect older adults, such as loneliness, elder abuse, and healthcare. Share your thoughts and ideas and engage in conversations about making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.

9. Attend an aging conference or seminar: Many communities organize events that focus on aging and caregiving. Attending one of these conferences or seminars can give you a wealth of information about how you can help.

10. Create a fundraising campaign: Finally, you can organize a fundraising campaign to support older adult programs and resources in your community. It’s an excellent way to give back and ensure that older adults have the necessary support to thrive during their golden years!

By taking part in Older Americans Month, you can make a difference in the lives of older adults living in your community – and have a lot of fun while doing it! Celebrating OAM is about recognizing the value and experiences of older adults across the aging spectrum. 

Join Vintage in Celebrating Older Americans Month

No matter how you choose to get involved in Older Americans Month, the most important thing is recognizing the importance of older adults and showing your support. Take a look at the activities available in your area, as well as volunteer opportunities and resources for older adults. 

At Vintage, we love celebrating this vital segment of our population. Join us online to see our Aging Unbound video series on social media.