Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month was established in 1963 when only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday. Many of the older Americans at the time, were living in poverty and there were little to no programs to help them meet their needs. Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons in our country, especially those who defended our country. Older Americans Month is celebrated through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities. The 2022 theme for Older Americans Month is Age My Way, an opportunity for us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved in their communities.

Who are Older Americans?

Older Americans are our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors. They are essential and valued members of our communities and members of an at-risk population. Older Americans have unique needs that must be addressed, it is the difference between life and death in an emergency. Injuries and violence are serious threats to the health of persons aged 65 and older. Unintentional injuries among this population result in approximately 48,550 deaths annually. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries to older adults. One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a public health concern. Learn more about older adults and injury prevention here.

Benefits of Staying Active as You Age

Physical activity is suitable for people of all ages. Staying active can help:

• Lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer
• Improve your strength and balance so you can prevent injuries and stay independent
• Improve your mood
• Feel better about yourself
• Improve your ability to think, learn, and make decisions
• Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
• Do muscle-strengthing activities at least two days a week

Learn more about how to stay active as you age here.

Local Resources for Older Americans

• Olli is a member-powered community offering a wide variety of high-quality educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs for adults 50 and older which includes more than 40 online and in-person lectures, workshops, events, and tours each month. Olli seeks to foster intellectual stimulation, new interests, and personal development to provide a community in which to gather.
• The City of Reno hosts events all month of May for Older Americans Month.
• Seniors in Service engages vibrant and experienced volunteers to enrich Northern Nevada communities one life at a time.

Community Health Alliance and Older Americans

Community Health Alliance offers a range of services to support our older Americans. We provide chronic disease management, low-cost pharmacies and immunizations, behavioral health services, and nutrition counseling. To fuel your long-term wellness, we also provide free nutritious foods in our food pantries. Should you require specialty care or other community resources, our friendly, dedicated team is here to help. Your health is our priority.