May is Older Americans Month! | |
This year's theme: Flipping the Script on Aging
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults.
The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
Watch this short video, Frame of Mind: The Why and How of Reframing Aging, to learn why our incomplete understanding of aging perpetuates negative stereotypes of older people and how we can do something about it by changing the way we communicate about aging.
| | Older Adults Are Flipping the Script on Aging! | | |
Did you know?
A Yale study showed that older people with more positive beliefs about aging lived an average of 7.5 longer than people who equated aging with disease and decline.
Actress and activist Jane Fonda and anti-ageism advocate Ashton Applewhite #FlipTheScript on aging for "Sunday Morning" viewers with a key to living a longer life—maintaining a better outlook.
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Diana Nyad, a long-distance swimmer, famously swam from Cuba to Florida at age 64 in 2013, a feat she had previously attempted and failed multiple times.
This event is a prime example of how age can be a state of mind and how older individuals are flipping the script on aging, embracing new challenges and redefining their "second acts".
Learn more about Diana’s impressive accomplishment and her enlightening and inspiring views on aging.
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Thomas McClary, founder of The Commodores, is now in his 70s and still dazzling audiences with live performances of hits like “Easy” and “High on Sunshine.”
McClary will delight you with his passion for life, his appreciation for the ups and downs along the way, and for what he realized is all you need for a fulfilling life.
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Ginny MacColl is a 72-year-old grandmother. She's also the oldest person ever to complete a challenge on NBC's "American Ninja Warrior."
MacColl shares how she flipped the script on aging through her inspirational late-in-life journey to become a warrior and to compete in masters swimming at the National Senior Games.
| | May is Stroke Awareness Month | |
Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Having a stroke puts you at higher risk for a second one.
Learn how to save a life from stroke and know your risk factors. Together, we can change the future of health and transform lives.
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Use the letters in F.A.S.T. to spot a Stroke:
F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
T = Time to call 911 – Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.
For more information on strokes, visit stroke.org
| | May is Arthritis Awareness Month | | |
Arthritis isn’t a single disease; the term refers to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
People of all ages, races and sexes live with arthritis, and it is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. It’s most common among women, and although it’s not a disease of aging, some types of arthritis occur in older people more than younger people.
Common arthritis symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and diminished range of motion in joints. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and may come and go. Some may stay about the same for years, but symptoms can also progress and get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, difficulty performing daily activities and make walking and climbing stairs painful and grueling.
Arthritis can also cause permanent joint changes. These may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can be seen only on X-rays. Some types of arthritis affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common type of arthritis. It can damage almost any joint but mainly occurs in the hands, spine, hips and knees. OA was once considered a wear-and-tear disease in which cartilage — the protective layer on the ends of bones — wore down after years of use. But with further research, the thinking about OA has changed. Doctors now know that OA is a disease of the whole joint, not just cartilage. Bones in affected joints become weaker, the connective tissue that holds the joint together deteriorates and inflammation damages the joint lining. Contrary to decades of belief, inflammation plays a key role in OA, just as it does in most other types of arthritis.
Check out this list of osteoarthritis self-management tips here.
To learn more about arthritis, visit arthritis.org.
| | Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month | | | |
May is Asthma Awareness Month—a time to educate friends, family, and patients about asthma and promote awareness about how this serious, sometimes life-threatening, chronic respiratory disease can be controlled.
Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and indoor allergens and irritants play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks.
Reducing exposure to environmental asthma triggers (such as secondhand smoke, dust mites, mold, cockroaches and other pests, pets, nitrogen dioxide, outdoor air pollution, chemical irritants, and wood smoke) is an important component of asthma management.
| (INFORMATION IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH) | | | May is Mental Health Awareness Month | | |
At older ages, mental health is shaped not only by our physical and social environments but also by the impacts of our earlier life experiences and specific stressors related to ageing. Exposure to adversity, significant loss in capacity and a decline in functional ability can all result in psychological distress.
Older adults are more likely to experience adverse events such as bereavement, or a drop in income or reduced sense of purpose with retirement. Despite their many contributions to society, many older adults
are subject to ageism, which can seriously affect people’s mental health.
Social isolation and loneliness, which affect about a quarter of older people, are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life. So too is abuse of older people, which includes any kind of physical, verbal, psychological, sexual or financial abuse, as well as neglect. One in six older adults experience abuse, often by their own carers. Abuse of older adults has serious consequences and can lead to depression and anxiety.
Many older people are carers of spouses with chronic health conditions, such as dementia. The responsibilities of such care can be overwhelming and can affect the carer’s mental health.
How can I improve my mental health on my own?
Therapy and medication aren’t the only ways to improve your mental health. There are lots of things that you can do on your own! Taking steps to educate yourself, learn your mind and body, and make changes over time in your life can improve your overall well-being.
Learn all you can about mental health
You can find lots of great mental health information online. Read all you can about mental health. Understand mental illness—what it is and how it works. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, you can also look up information on that specific condition. (Otherwise, start by taking a mental health test.)
Small actions can lead to big changes. Whether it’s building a routine, practicing mindfulness, or finding new ways to nurture your spirit, these self-help resources can help you feel empowered to take proactive steps toward wellness.
Here are day-by-day tips to turn awareness into action.
Click the image below to download and print!
| | May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month | | |
Skin Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and educate the public about the ways to help prevent skin cancer.
UV exposure from the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer and also one of the most preventable.
Facts on skin cancer:
- It is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70
- More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour
- Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma
- When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%
- When caught and treated early, skin cancer is highly curable.
In the early stages of skin cancer development, you’re the one with the best chance to see changes. Self-exams are a simple way to look at yourself with a new focus that can save your life.
That’s why it is recommended that you check your skin head-to-toe once a month.
| | Fall Prevention & Bone Health | | |
One out of five falls among older adults causes serious injury such as a broken bone. Osteoporosis causes bones to be weak where an accident, such as a fall, can fracture the bones. But it is never too late to identify and treat osteoporosis or prevent falls to avoid broken bones.
How common is osteoporosis, and who is most at risk?
- Osteoporosis affects over 50 million people in the U.S.
- Although this disease happens in both men and women, women are four times more likely to develop it than men.
- Osteoporosis risk climbs with age; many women begin to develop it around menopause.
- While osteoporosis can affect any bone, the bones most commonly affected by osteoporosis-related breaks are the hips, wrists, and spine. Each year nearly 319,000 older Americans are hospitalized with hip fractures
- Non-Hispanic white women and Asian women are most likely to get osteoporosis. Black and Hispanic women are less likely to develop this disease, but they are still at significant risk.
Take action to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of falling.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium: A few good sources include milk, cheese, canned sardines, and yogurt.
- Eat foods high in Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and can be found in eggs, milk, and salmon but Vitamin D supplements are available.
- Get regular exercise and lift weights: Weight-bearing exercises stimulate bone building to increase bone density.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking reduces blood supply to bones and production of bone-producing cells.
- Limit your alcohol: If you choose to drink alcohol, limit to one drink a day for women and two drinks for men. Those taking certain medications should abstain.
- Check for home safety: Falling increases the chance of a bone fracture. Go through your home and remove clutter or add handrails to reduce falls and accidents.
- Talk with your doctor about a bone-density test: Also known as a DXA scan, this x-ray measures the amount of bone in specific areas of the body and helps determine the risk for bone fractures. This scan can help doctors manage your bone loss and prevent fractures.
It is never too late to identify and treat osteoporosis or prevent falls to avoid broken bones.
To start, use the American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator™ to understand your risk for bone fractures in the next ten years and other factors that could impact your bone health.
Also consider taking our free online fall prevention course!
The Live Strong & Safe Course is a virtual resource with on-demand access to reinforce and expand on your fall prevention knowledge. It’s designed to be accessible for everyone, including those unable to attend in-person programs, ensuring that fall prevention support is available to all who seek it.
Watch the video below to learn more or visit fallprevention.agencyonaging4.org.
| | Local Events Happening Near You | | | |
Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way Community Resource Fair
- 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Sam Brannan Park in Yuba City
The event is held annually to showcase Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way’s Partner Agencies and the vital work these non-profits are doing in our local community.
This year’s event includes a free barbecue lunch, kids' fun run, hourly drawings, educational information about community resources and activities for all ages.
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A Matter of Balance
Sacramento County
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an 8-week, evidence based workshop that can help adults reduce concerns about falling and increase your activity levels.
Classes are held in person once a week for 8 weeks and each session is free of charge.
Click image above to download flyer or click button below to register.
| For assistance with creating an ActiveNet account or with registering for the class, please contact Sac Recreation at 916-808-6060. | | | Healthy Eating = Healthy Aging | |
Zucchini Muffins
A balanced diet can manage arthritis symptoms by reducing inflammation. If you're trying to manage symptoms, try focusing on eating a variety of fruits and vegetables.
A great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while incorporating more fruits and vegetables is baking delicious zucchini muffins.
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Mixed Berry Chia Jam
Increase Omega 3 rich foods such as fish (salmon tuna sardines), walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed has been shown to improve overall health and possibly reduce inflammation in the body.
If you’re looking for a simple recipe jam to help you sweeten up breakfast and use up any leftover berries before they spoil! Try this quick mixed berry chia Jam recipe
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Whole Wheat Pasta with Lemon
Getting whole grains in your diet can help maintain a healthy body weight, lower blood pressure and show positive improvements regarding arthritis.
Try this refreshing pasta dish to incorporate more whole grains into your diet.
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Green Beans with Sesame Sauce
This easy and flavorful dip or sauce originates from Southeast Europe and West Asia. It is great with pita bread, fresh tomatoes, or even atop freshly grilled chicken! It is a great cooling dish is perfect with a spicy meal or on a hot day.
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| | GetSetUp: Free Online Classes for Older Adults | | |
We’ve selected a variety of health and wellness classes for you through GetSetUp, an organization created by older adults, to help people 55+ learn new skills, connect with others, and unlock new life experiences.
All those 60+ are welcome and workshops are free when using passcode "area4-ca".
| | This Month's Featured Classes | |
Active Aging Challenge
Join us as we celebrate Older Americans Month with GetSetUp’s 5-Week Active Aging Challenge—a fun way to stay active, engaged, and feeling great all May long! Each week, you’ll explore a new healthy aging theme, take on a small challenge, and connect with others during live check-in sessions.
In this kickoff class, we’ll explain how the challenge works, share the weekly topics, and dive into Week 1: Balance & Flexibility. We'll explore why balance and flexibility matter as we age, learn how to test your own balance at home, and you'll set a personal goal for the week!
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Great Spring Meals in 30 Minutes or Less
Want to enjoy fresh, flavorful spring meals without spending hours in the kitchen? This class will show you how to easily create a delicious and healthy dish using seasonal ingredients, all ready in just 30 minutes or less.
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Gentle Exercises for Hip Pain
This class will focus on easing hip pain and keeping hips flexible and strong. We will perform a series of gentle exercises that will strengthen the hips, help ease pain and increase flexibility. Keeping the hips strong helps to reduce the risk of falling, decrease pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other joint conditions, and maintain adequate strength and mobility to perform everyday tasks without limitations.
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Living with Arthritis: A Guide to Self Care
For people living with arthritis, the challenges of coping with the condition can be overwhelming. In this class, we will review ways to improve your quality of life while living with arthritis. We will cover topics such as emotional self-care, natural remedies for pain management, and healthy living.
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How to Stay Safe in the Sun All Year Round
Discover essential tips to stay safe under the sun all year round! In this class, learn how to protect your skin from harmful rays in every season, ensuring you enjoy the outdoors safely. Perfect for anyone eager to maintain their health and well-being throughout the year.
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Tips for Maintaining Healthy Vision as You Age
Are you looking for natural ways to care for your eyes and maintain clear vision as you age? In this class, you’ll explore approaches to support eye health, learn about common age-related conditions like cataracts and dry eyes, and discover ways to ease discomfort.
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Stay Safe: Safety Devices Covered by Medicare
Did you know that the bathroom is one of the most hazardous places in the home for seniors? This class explores how bathroom safety items, including grab bars and shower chairs, can prevent accidents and increase your independence. Learn how your Medicare Advantage plan may cover these essential safety features to ensure peace of mind.
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This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The materials or product were a result of a project funded by a contract with the California Department of Aging.
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