All of us at HCAN are proud to join in celebrating Older Americans Month. While recognizing the important contributions seniors make in our communities.

Older Americans Month

Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads Older Americans Month. Communities of Strength is this year’s celebration theme. This is certainly appropriate given the challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others” reads a statement on the ACL website. “This Older Americans Month, we will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network. Along with the special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.”

When was Older Americans Month Established, and it’s part of modern-day

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.

Today, the number of people ages 65 and older stands at 52 million. Therefore, aging baby boomers are re-shaping the older population. According to the latest data from the Public Reference Bureau:

  • The number of Americans 65 and older is projected to nearly double to 95 million by 2060 – making up 23% of the total population.
  • Currently, approximately 24% of men and 16% of women age 65 and older are still working. By 2026, those numbers are expected to rise to 26% for men and 18% for women.
  • The average U.S. life expectancy has increased from 68 years in 1950 to 78.6 years in 2017.
  • The poverty rate for Americans ages 65 and older has dropped sharply over the past 50 years – from nearly 30% in 1966 to 9% today.
  • Many parts of the country – especially counties in the rural Midwest – are aging in place. This is because disproportionate shares of young people have moved elsewhere.

While we celebrate older Americans’ resilience, strength, wisdom, and experience, we know aging also comes with challenges.  At HCAN, we’re proud to work every day with the seniors in our community. Therefore, HCAN is committed to helping them live their best lives. Which includes providing them with the services they need to age safely in their own homes.

Visit HTTPS: acl.gov/. for more information about Older American’s Month and the Administration for Community Living.

Visit www.hcanthrive.com or call 402-359-1996 for more information about our services.