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Multiracial senior people having fun hugging each other after sport workout at city park.

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is observed in May. The Administration for Community Living, a federal agency, leads the month of observance. OAM is a time to recognize the contributions of older Americans. It is also the time to highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serve older adults in our communities.

This year’s theme Powered by Connection focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being of older adults. This relationship is underscored by the U. S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.

“It’s not just about having someone to chat with,” said Lydia Weeks, Alabama Cares Program Manager at Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG). “It’s about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical and emotional well-being.”

“We can mitigate issues like loneliness and promote healthy aging for older adults by recognizing and nurturing the role of connectivity,” said Danielle Rudolph. Rudolph is the site director for the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute which provides programming for older adults.

Getting Involved

There are ways that individuals and organizations can get involved in honoring elders during OAM and any time of the year.

Organizational Involvement

  • Spread the word about the mental, physical and emotional health benefits obtained from professional and personal social networks.
  • Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using the hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.
  • Promote opportunities for older adults to engage, such as cultural activities, recreational programs and interactive virtual events.
  • Connect older adults with local services like counseling, which can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.
  • Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults or even youths.

Individual Involvement

  • Invite more connectivity into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class or trying new activities.
  • Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching or mentoring.
  • Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues or neighbors.

Visit the official OAM website and follow ACL on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.

More Information

Visit the VCLLI webpage to learn how you can get powered by connections to educational opportunities and resources or contact Danielle Rudolph by email or phone at (256) 372-4949.