Department of Health and Human
Services
Administration on Aging
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May is Older Americans
Month
History of Older Americans Month
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.
Past Older Americans Month Themes
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Dept. of Health & Human Services
