May is "Older American's Month". It was originally called "Senior Citizens Month" by President Kennedy in 1963, but the name was changed to "Older Americans Month" by President Carter in 1980. The Administration on Aging described this month as "... a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country." The Administration on Aging has published the theme for this year's celebration: "Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities". The Administration on Aging provided the logo above and a nice poster for download:
The U.S. Census Bureau released a fact sheet for Older Americans Month. Selected facts include:
- 37.3 million people were 65 and older in the U.S. in 2006
- There is a projected 147% increase in the 65-and-older population between 2000 and 2050
- The poverty rate for people 65 and older in 2006 - 9.4%
- By 2016, the number of people 65 and older in the labor force will reach 10.1 million
- 7.3 million are taking adult education classes
- 1.6 million live in nursing homes
- Charlotte County, Fl has the highest percentage of 65+ at 31.2%
