Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month 2023

Older Americans Month was established in 1963 and is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living, the month is a time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen a commitment to honor older citizens.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2023 theme is Aging Unbound, which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. Join us in promoting flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.

 

What Age Is Considered Elderly in the U.S.?

According to the Social Security Administration, 9 out of 10 people over the age of 65 receive Social Security benefits, and 65 is the age that U.S. citizens are legally considered seniors.

About 2/3 will live past 80, and 1/3 past 90. Almost one in ten girls born now will live past 100.

What percentage of the population is over 85?

The 75 to 84 age group share of the older population was around 14.3 million or 29 percent— more than double the number and proportion (6.3 million or 13 percent) for those 85 and older.

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, History of Older Americans Month:

“When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. 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. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as ‘Senior Citizens Month,’ the prelude to ‘Older Americans Month.’

“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 Kennedy 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.”

At McGregor, we celebrate our seniors everyday, sharing in their lives and with their families giving compassionate care for all the days that we are blessed to have them in our McGregor family.