older american's month age my way: may 2024

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2025 theme is Flip the Script on Aging, which is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.

This year’s theme focuses on:

  • Transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging.
  • Encouraging individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions
  • Honoring older adults’ contributions to our society
  • Exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as they age
  • Highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and the connection that come with aging

Get Involved in Older Americans Month

Below are ideas to help you plan activities in your community:

Stories

Stories build community and connect us (even if we can’t be physically together). Whether you’re a group of friends, a neighborhood community, or an organization, stories are a great way to learn about and engage with others. As you plan, remember that everyone has different interests, access to technology, and comfort levels. The best sharing activities are those where people feel encouraged and at ease.

Events

A special OAM event is a great way to celebrate, share resources, and connect with community members. There are countless approaches to this kind of activity, many of which can be done virtually. Always follow local health and safety guidance for your event. No matter the size of your group or the style of your event, our event planning tips can help you think through the process.

Group Projects

Celebrate and engage with your community by organizing a project where members can contribute individually before their work is combined to create the final masterpiece. This is a great way to produce something to showcase, either in person or online. Before selecting a project, consider polling your participants to see where their talents and interests lie.

Ideas to get you started

  • Make a physical or virtual bulletin board with photos, jokes, quotes, or good news. This project is great in combination with the selfie challenge idea shared above. Whether online or in person, printouts can be posted to the board.
  • Plant a community garden of flowers or produce. Alternatively, provide participants with seeds and a pot to plant them in at home. Later, collect all the potted plants and display them together as one large container garden.
  • Design a mosaic art projects, painted rock garden, or mural where each participant gets a turn to add their touch. Don’t have a space that can be permanently altered? Use canvases instead. Search “mini canvas collage” to spark your creativity.
  • Coordinate one or a series of community betterment activities. There are numerous options for activities, from picking up litter to collecting donations for those in need. Find more inspiration from Create the Good Project Ideas.

Older Americans Month and Support Our Seniors Merchandise

  • Support for Missouri’s Seniors by visiting the online store. It features shirts, hats, cups, and bags that can be purchased using credit or debit cards. Items can be shipped directly to your home via USPS.

Events

A special OAM event is a great way to celebrate, share resources, and connect with community members. There are countless approaches to this kind of activity, many of which can be done virtually. Always follow local health and safety guidance for your event. No matter the size of your group or the style of your event, our event planning tips can help you think through the process.

  • Senior Resource Fair, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 11 am – 3 pm Capital Mall, Jefferson City, MO 65109
  • View photos from the 2024 Senior Resource Fair at the Capital Mall.

Submit your community event to DSDSOfficeOfConstituentServices@health.mo.gov

Resources

Don’t forget to share your #OlderAmericansMonth plans and stories on social media.

Seniors in Art ClassOlder adults painting
Seniors Group of Diverse FriendsOlder adults with arms around each other
Grandpa cooking with granddaughterGrandfather cooking with granddaughter