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John F. Kennedy designated May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month after meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens, encouraging all Americans to honor older people across the country. Every year since, the president has issued a formal proclamation during the month of May in support of older Americans. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter officially changed the observance’s name to Older Americans Month.
May is a time to honor, celebrate and care for the age 65 and older generation. With their contributions to our country, this demographic deserves to enjoy the fruits of their hard work and have access to proper healthcare and living arrangements.
Older American Statistics, Census Bureau
- As of July 2015, there are 47.8 million people age 65 and older in the United States, 14.9 percent of the total population
- $38,515 was the median income of households with householders age 65 and older in 2015
- 8 percent of people 65 and older lived in poverty in 2015, down from 10 percent in 2014
- 6 million men and 3.7 million women age 65 and older were in the labor force in 2015
- 2 is the percentage of women business owners in respondent firms with or without paid employees in 2012 who were age 65 or older
- 8 percent of the population age 65 and older in 2015 had completed high school or higher education
- 8 percent of the population age 65 and older in 2016 was married
- 5 percent of householders age 65 and older owned their homes as of fourth quarter 2016
With the theme “Age Out Loud,” Older Americans Month 2017 gives people age 65 and older an opportunity to be proud of their age. Use #OAM17 and #AgeOutLoud on social media to share your story and post your appreciation of an older person in your life!