Older Americans Month - History

Older Americans Month, established 41 years ago by President John F. Kennedy, is intended to recognize the contributions and efforts of older persons to our communities and, in a larger sense, our country.

Senior Service America and its network of sponsoring organizations around the nation celebrated 2004's campaign, "Aging Well, Living Well," sponsored by the Administration on Aging. Senior Service America modified the theme to highlight the local efforts of our sponsors: "Aging Well, Living Well Through Community Service." Read about Senior AIDES events held by our sponsors across the country...

Expanding upon last year's hugely successful campaign, Senior Service America once again distributed silver and gold lapel ribbons to all older workers, their colleagues and supporters through our community-based employment programs, and through other nonprofit and corporate sponsors.

The ribbon's silver color represents the physical appearance of aging, while the gold represents the milestone of 50-plus years. Together, they represent the value of experience, particularly as it is applied through the senior's service in the community. Wearing a silver and gold ribbon celebrates the valuable contributions of older workers.

Older Americans Month is a time when many communities reflect upon the value of older Americans to our nation. We hope the silver and gold ribbon campaign, which originated with our North Carolina Central University sponsor, becomes a permanent symbol for the good work of older Americans, as exemplified by the thousands of seniors who have entered or re-entered the job market through Senior Service America's Senior AIDES Program and its Senior Environmental Employment Program.

Older Americans Month was a nationwide success thanks to the efforts of local Senior AIDES programs throughout the country.