Older Americans Month is an annual event dating back to 1963, when President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month. It was later renamed Older Americans Month, honoring older Americans and celebrating their contributions to our communities and our nation. Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.
In tough times, communities find strength in people – and people find strength in their communities. In the past year, we’ve seen this time and again in Brown County as friends, neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other.
In our community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, they have built resilience that helps them to face new challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too.
Strength is built and shown not only by bold acts, but also small ones of day-to-day life – a conversation shared with a friend, working in the garden, trying a new recipe, or taking time for a cup of tea on a busy day. And when we share these activities with others – even virtually or by telling about the experience later – we help them build resilience too.
This year, the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County will celebrate OAM by encouraging community members to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength and create a stronger future.
When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences – through action, story, or service – we help build strong communities. And that’s something to celebrate! Please join ADRC of Brown County in strengthening our community.
