May is "Older Americans Month". It was originally designated by President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens as "Senior Citizens Month," in April 1963 to raise awareness about the plight of citizens over 65. At the time, one-third of all seniors lived in poverty with few social programs available to help support them.
Two years later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act of 1965 and formally declared May as Older Americans Month. The act did much more than raise awareness or encourage community involvement. It resulted in positive change including financial assistance and federal support for older Americans.
Johnson expanded Kennedy's proclamation further by instituting positive change, financial assistance, and federal support for older Americans.
The 1965 Older Americans Act:
- Established the Administration on Aging, the first federal agency designed to address the struggles of older Americans
- Introduced nutrition programs, transportation assistance, federally funded adult day care, legal assistance, and other services for seniors
- Paved the way to passing the Medicare program to offer health care to seniors
Every president since Johnson has offered a formal proclamation declaring May as a time to remember and honor older Americans. Communities organize events, fairs, and fundraisers focusing on seniors.
The 2025 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. This year, join us in honoring older adults' contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey about 16.5% of the U.S. population is over 65. Montgomery County counts 16.55% of the population as over 65. Neilsberg Research statistics for the greater Poolesville area report about 39% of the population in the 50+ target audience served by Poolesville Seniors.
Poolesville Seniors provides active activities to those over 50 in the Poolesville area. We had over 11,000 participants in our activities in the past year. If you are retired or soon to retire, come to an event and meet your community!
Tell your relatives, friends and neighbors about the activities at Poolesville Seniors that will help them stay active and connected to our community.