Older Americans Month, an annual celebration of older adults, began May 1.
This year’s theme is “Make Your Mark.”
The theme was selected to “encourage and celebrate countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. Their time, experience and talents benefit family, peers and neighbors every day,” according to the Administration for Community Living, the federal agency that organizes Older Americans Month.
The number of people age 65 and older in the United States reached 49.2 million in 2016, accounting for 15.2 percent of the total population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
By 2060, the number of people 65 and older is projected to reach 98.2 million — 1 in 4 U.S. residents — according to the bureau. Of this number, 19.7 million will be 85 or older.
The Postal Service is encouraging employees to participate in Older Americans Month by helping to raise awareness of aging issues.
The Administration for Community Living’s website has more information.
