Older Americans Month 2025 – Flip the Script on Aging
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”
Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. Join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
For example: Learning doesn’t stop with age—it evolves. In fact, adults over 60 are among the fastest-growing group of online learners. Let’s celebrate the pursuit of knowledge at every stage of life. What new skill or subject are you exploring?
