May is Older Americans Month. Originally established by President Kennedy in 1963, its purpose is to acknowledge and honor the contributions older Americans make to the community and nation. Each year a theme is selected for the month, and this year it is “Age Out Loud.” Seniors can age out loud by participating in activities that enrich their lives, affirm their contributions to the community, and enable them to maintain their independence. As President Obama said in announcing the 2015 Older Americans Month, “This month we celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices of our elders, and we reaffirm our belief that the promise of our nation extends to Americans of all ages.”
Acknowledgment of older Americans and their contributions is not limited to the federal government. The Baker administration has undertaken activities to improve the lives of older Americans in Massachusetts. In order to address an increasing elder population and its needs, the administration has established an advisory council on aging composed of representatives from education, social services, state offices, and elder advocates. According to an administration press release, “The mission of the advisory council is to support healthy aging and make Massachusetts the most age-friendly state for people of all ages.” The advisory council plans to issue a report outlining its proposals by the end of 2017.
The need for more services is underscored by the surge in elder residents of the commonwealth. Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito has stated, “Each municipality across the commonwealth must be prepared to support an aging population.” In Harvard, the Council on Aging is the heart of senior services and activities. The COA is one of a statewide network of councils whose activities are coordinated by the Mass. Association of Councils on Aging, which stated in a recent letter to the state Legislature that “as of Dec. 16, 2016, for the first time in recorded history, there are more residents of our commonwealth age 60+ than under the age of 20.” By 2035 seniors will make up 23 percent of the state’s population.
The importance of older Americans in Harvard cannot be overstated. A look at the sweep of gray-haired residents participating on town government boards and committees speaks for itself. Long after the events of Older Americans Month are done, their contributions will continue.
On April 28 the Council on Aging will hold a thank-you lunch for all who volunteer their services to the COA. If you have not done so already, take the time to thank neighbors and friends for all they do for all of us.
Deb Thomson is a co-chairwoman of the
Board of Directors of the Council on Aging.
