Celebrate Older Americans Month 2026
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2026 theme is Champion Your Health, which focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging.
OAM encourages taking an active role in managing your own health, advocating for yourself, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence. JAHF partners with its grantees to create age-friendly systems, policies and resources that support people's ability to make healthy decisions. This month is a perfect time to:
- Become an Age-Friendly Public Health System (AFPHS) Champion, join the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) movement and share the My Health Checklist for age-friendly care.
- Host a free educational screening of Aging in America: Survive or Thrive to spark meaningful conversations about aging, caregiving and the systems needed to support all of us as we age. JAHF celebrates the one-year anniversary of the film on May 1.
Join us in highlighting the importance of evidence-based approaches and community partnerships that empower individuals to lead their healthiest lives.
On ACL's OAM site find:
- Materials to help you celebrate OAM
- Ideas to help you plan activities in and with your community
- Social media graphics and sample posts
Use #OlderAmericansMonth on social media to share your plans and see what others are doing!
Visit ACL's OAM website in English and Spanish.
Learn more about AFPHS Champions.
Learn more about the AFHS movement.
Learn more about the documentary, Aging in America: Survive or Thrive.
