May is Older Americans Month, Flip the Script!

Let's flip the script on aging starting this month--just like comedian Susan Rice, the Funny Old Bag.

May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

This year’s theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," focuses on the importance of combating ageism to transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the benefits of healthy aging.

Most do not intend to be ageist, but it shows up without us even meaning to be this way.

“These attitudes and ideas about older adults are so entrenched in our culture that even the most well-intentioned of us can be ageist without meaning to,” Jennifer Curry, AgeWell Atlanta Program Manager, said. “Even if you don’t intend to be ageist, it’s crucial to understand the harm it can do, and to do the necessary work to stop participating in it.”

How can community groups, businesses, and organizations mark OAM? 

• Promote OAM within professional and personal networks.

• Encourage followers to share thoughts and stories on social using #FlipTheScriptOnAging.

• Share tips on language and activities that dispel myths about aging.

• Host events or programs where older adults can mentor peers, younger adults, or youths to help dispel misconceptions about ageism.

What can individuals do to combat ageism?

• Celebrate the contributions of people of all ages in the workplace and community.

• Avoid ageist statements when talking about growing older.

• Promote fact-based messages about older adults’ abilities and value to communities.

Let's Flip the Script for our elders and for ourselves:

• Aviv Older Adult Services

• One Good Deed

• Active Seniors

• Fulton County Senior Services--SO many resources for fun, care, learning, health and more

• Atlanta Regional Commissions Aging and Independent Services--awesome resources

• Susan Rice, Funny Old Bag Lady

I have been in the aging field for over 15 years and have learned many things about our elders but one stands out: How we age is a mindset and those with a positive attitude live happily ever after.

We are all aging...figure out how it will work best for you by talking, visiting and learning from the wise elders in our lives.