This May, The Older Americans Month Tradition
Robert Chism
This article is being written as an early reminder in the hope that your Church will celebrate with the rest of the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.
In 1963 President John F. Kennedy created the tradition. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed Senior Citizens Month 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 JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pays tribute in some way to older persons in their communities.
Past Themes for Older Americans Month:
2012 – Never Too Old to Play
2011 – Older Americans: Connecting the Community
2010 – Age Strong! Live Long!
2009 – Living Today for a Better Tomorrow
2008 – Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities
2007 – Making Choices for a Healthier Future
2006 – Choices For Independence
2005 – Celebrate Long-term Living
2004 – Aging Well, Living Well
2003 – What We Do Makes A Difference.
2002 – America: “A Community for all Ages”
2001 – The Many Faces of Aging
2000 – In the New Century. . . . The Future is Aging
1999 – Honor the Past, Imagine the Future: Towards a Society for All Ages
1998 – Living Longer, Growing Stronger in America
1997 – Caregiving: Compassion in Action
1996 – Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity
1995 – Aging: Generations of Experience
1994 – Aging: An Experience of a Lifetime
1992 – Community Action Begins with You: Help Older Americans Help Themselves
1986 – Plan on Living the Rest of Your Life
1985 – Help Yourself to Independence
1984 – Health: Make it Last a Lifetime
1978 – Older Americans and the Family
The theme for 2013 has been announced!
“The theme for Older Americans Month 2013, Unleash the Power of Age, has never been more fitting. Older Americans are productive, active, and influential members of society, sharing essential talents, wisdom, and life experience with their families, friends, and neighbors.” — from the AoA website.
Please visit www.aoa.gov to find more information about Older Americans Month 2013.
Robert W. Chism is the founder of New Beginnings, a personal website dedicated to coaching third age adult faith development. He attends Village Church of Gurnee, and is a member of the CASA Network, YES! and Christ Together. Certificate programs he participates in include, the Center for Christian Leadership, Anderson University School of Theology; “Aging Ministries,” and “Navigating Ministry in Times of Generational Changes.” Bob has four decades of experience in finance & strategic planning, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Married 48 years, he has three adult children and seven grandkids.
Bob, this is a great list of themes. The theme chosen for this year reminds me of a recent conversation with Laura Carstensen, Founding Director of Stanford’s Center on Longevity. Few students were signing up for her initial course on adulthood and aging. Once they substituted the word ‘longevity’ for ‘aging’, they had over 200 students and a waiting list.
Her takeaway from that was that young people want to live long, but they aren’t enthused about aging or growing older. Perhaps more pastors and Christian leaders would come on board if we talked about unleashing the power of longevity.
No matter how it’s framed, though, age represents so much positive, renewable energy, godly wisdom and potential just looking to be affirmed and unleashed! Thank you for being among the unleashed!