Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month Theme-May 2004: “Aging Well, Living Well”

I am pleased to announce the theme for Older Americans Month 2004: “Aging Well, Living Well”. This theme has been selected to celebrate and recognize older Americans who are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Older persons are not only adding years to their lives, they are also improving the quality of their lives.

This theme gives us the opportunity to highlight issues that directly relate to aging well and living well. As you are aware, I have made helping older people stay active and healthy one of my top priorities for the Administration on Aging. An older person’s health status most often determines his or her ability to live a productive later life. Studies reveal that staying physically active, eating right, and getting regular health screenings can help prevent or delay many diseases and disease-related disabilities.

In addition to achieving a healthier lifestyle, older persons must also take steps to prepare for later life. These steps include understanding housing and long-term care options; gaining financial literacy and knowledge of retirement pension and benefits; and seeking opportunities for community participation and social engagement, including access to employment, volunteer, educational and leisure activities.

Over the next several months, you will receive more information about our plans in recognition of Older Americans Month 2004. It is my pleasure to continue the tradition of honoring older individuals and the contributions they make to our Nation.

- Josefina G. Carbonell

Older Americans Month Sub Navigation:

• Announcements
• History of OAM
• Materials and Downloads
• Photo Contest
• Proclamations
• Program Champions
• Senior Health and Fitness Day

Past Older Americans Month Themes

• 1978 - Older Americans and the Family
• 1984 - Health: Make it Last a Lifetime
• 1985 - Help Yourself to Independence
• 1986 - Plan on Living the Rest of Your Life
• 1992 - Community Action Begins with You: Help Older Americans Help Themselves
• 1993 - No theme selected (proclamation signed on May 25, 1993)
• 1994 - Aging: An Experience of a Lifetime
• 1995 - Aging: Generations of Experience
• 1996 - Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity
• 1997 - Caregiving: Compassion in Action
• 1998 - Living Longer, Growing Stronger in America
• 1999 - Honor the Past, Imagine the Future: Towards a Society for All Ages
• 2000 - In the New Century. . . . The Future is Aging
• 2001 - The Many Faces of Aging
• 2002 - America: "A Community for all Ages"
• 2003 - “What We Do Makes A Difference.”