May is Older Americans Month, and the theme for May 1996 is "Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity." This theme was selected because it recognizes the millions of seniors who truly have made the most of growing older by continuing to make invaluable contributions to their families, their places of worship, their communities, and society as a whole. Older Americans Month began with proclamation 3527, which President Kennedy issued on April 18th, 1963, declaring the month of May to be Senior Citizens Month. That original celebration established a tradition of celebrating older Americans contributions to society as well as raising awareness of their special needs. In 1980, President Carter changed the name of the month-long celebrations to Older Americans Month. Today it provides all of us with the opportunity not only to focus on the contributions and needs of current older Americans, but to think about how we as a nation need to prepare to meet the needs of future older Gen. But to think about how we as a nation need to prepare to meet the needs of future older Americans. This year's theme is very meaningful because it represents the Administration of Aging's idea to rally the nation in preparing for the aging of baby boomers. The Administration on Aging will be working throughout 1996 to focus national attention on the need to take critical steps now so that we will be ready to meet the challenge posed by an aging society.

This theme, "Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity" also encourages all of us to view growing older as a gift, something we can look forward to and take concrete steps to prepare for throughout our entire lives. Thoughts on Aging: Senior Citizens have used for band aids, hearing aids, medic aids, eating aids, seeing aids, and walking aids. Today as a gift...Let's focus on the present. Celebrate Older Americans Month!

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner

Published in the Marion Record May 16th, 1996.

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Till next time,

Trina