Picture Source:  Administration on Aging

May is Older Americans Month—a tradition dating back to 1963 to honor the legacies and ongoing contributions of older Americans and support them as they enter the next stage in life. The Aging Suite is joining in the celebration by continuing to provide our readers with helpful information about aging in place.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme is —Age Strong! Live Long! It recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations.  Older Americans are now living longer and are more active than ever before.   In 2006, people 65 and older made up 12% of the US population.  In 2011, Baby Boomers will start turning 65.  It’s estimated that in 2030, the older population will be twice as large as it was in 2000, growing from 35 to 71.5 million.  For people 85 and older, the US census Bureau estimates that that population will grow from 5.3 million in 2006 to 21 million by 2050.  As the population ages, they want to do so in the comfort of their homes.  An AARP survey stated that 89% of older adults said that they wanted to stay in their current homes as they aged.

So, in the spirit of Older American month, we want to continue to provide information about health conditions, aging in place topics, tips, and tools that can help you and/or a loved one age in place.  The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens.  Contact your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting http://www.eldercare.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116 to find out what you can do to strengthen services for older Americans, this month and all year round.  Also, feel free to share information with us or highlight an important older adult in your life/community who is Aging Strong and Living Long.

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Sources:

Older Americans 2008 Key Indicators of Well-Being Administration on Aging

Periodontal disease increases with age.  Make flossing a part of your daily routine.  Flossing helps to promote healthy gums and can slow gum recession.