Celebrating Older Americans Month: Flip the Script on Aging

Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

This year’s theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," focuses on the importance of combating ageism to transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the benefits of healthy aging.

"When we were kids, older always meant cooler," says Deborah Schaus, CEO of Aster. "We admired our older brothers and sisters sometimes just because they were older. We were excited about our birthdays and even proudly counted half years into our age. Imagine a world where this perception did not end and that age was always valued. This is Aster’s dream for at least our small corner of the world."

How can community groups, businesses, and organizations mark OAM?

• Promote OAM within professional and personal networks.
• Encourage followers to share thoughts and stories on social using #FlipTheScriptOnAging.
• Share tips on language and activities that dispel myths about aging.
• Host events or programs where older adults can mentor peers, younger adults, or youths to help dispel misconceptions about ageism.

What can individuals do to combat ageism?

• Celebrate the contributions of people of all ages in the workplace and community.
• Avoid ageist statements when talking about growing older.
• Promote fact-based messages about older adults’ abilities and value to communities.

For more information, visit acl.gov and join the conversation on social media using #OlderAmericansMonth.