DES Recognizes Older Americans Month

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month. Soon after, it was renamed Older Americans Month (OAM), and has since become an annual tribute honoring older Americans and their role in developing and strengthening the character of our state and nation. Cited in the Governor's proclamation, one in four Arizonans will be over the age of 60 by the year 2020, and those over 65 will have quadrupled by 2030.

The 2016 theme is Blaze a Trail. Older Americans are true trailblazers having built our communities and served as role models for the next generation. They exemplify the courage and sacrifice upon which our state and nation were established.

The Division of Aging and Adult Services, Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Administration, (formerly known as the Independent Living Supports (ILS) Administration), works collaboratively with community partners to bring awareness to the specific issues faced by older adults. The ADS provides a comprehensive array of services under provisions of the Older Americans Act. These services include home and community based services, family caregiver support, legal services assistance, health insurance assistance, and more. These services can help older Americans achieve or maintain the highest level of independence and self-sufficiency in order to live with dignity.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) encourages all Americans to be trailblazers by working with community partners to promote opportunities for inclusion, wellness, and the positive aspects of aging.

Visit the ILS website to learn more, and don't forget to check out the useful tip sheets provided by ACL for more information and great tips on how you can be a trailblazer for older Americans!