Older Americans Month: Making Choices for a Healthier Future
The US Administration on Aging has celebrated older Americans every May since 1944. The 2007 theme is Making Choices for a Healthier Future. All through May, state and local offices of the Administration on Aging will be conducting activities to raise awareness of some of the critical aging issues.America is Aging
Starting in 2011, the 78 million baby boomers in the US will begin to turn 65 and retire from the workforce. Caring for these parents and grandparents as they age will be major challenge for the nation and individual families in the coming decades.Rethinking Aging
Sixty-five-year-olds can expect almost 20 more years of life on average. Planning for long-term care of chronic illness, housing and general health care is fast becoming one of the biggest challenges for the health-care system. More importantly, we need to rethink the roles of retired persons in our society. Many retired people will live in good health and energy for decades. Finding purpose and meaning will help retired people maintain independence.Making Choices for a Healthier Future
The 2007 theme for older Americans month covers the following topics:- streamlined access to information and services to help people plan ahead for long-term care.
- information about effective prevention practices to improve the quality of life for older Americans
- new, affordable options for care and living arrangements.
From the Administration on Aging
“We urge people of all ages to seize upon the occasion of Older Americans Month to plan, promote and participate in activities during May and throughout the year that reflect the tenets of the national theme. We must all work together to ensure that every older person in this great country is treated with dignity and respect and moreover, has the opportunity to make the choices they desire to enjoy a healthy and rewarding future.”Source:
National Administration on Aging. Older Americans Month Press Release. May 2007.
