Q: What is this year’s theme for Older Americans Month?
A: Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated each May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency, OAM is a time to recognize the contributions of older Americans, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults in our communities.
The 2026 theme, “Champion Your Health,” emphasizes prevention, wellness, and taking proactive steps to manage one’s health. These are seen as the cornerstone of healthy aging.
However, staying on top of personal health is not always easy or straightforward. With the overwhelming amount of information and advertising about healthy lifestyles, including what to eat, which supplements to take, and how to exercise, it can quickly become confusing. Simplifying this information and focusing on what works best for each individual can make a meaningful difference.
A good starting point is ensuring you are up to date on preventive care appointments and screenings. These visits also provide an opportunity to ask your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations to support your overall health and well-being.
Then look at daily habits that can be improved. Attempting to make major changes in multiple areas at once—such as exercise and nutrition—can be difficult to sustain. Instead, focus on small, manageable improvements to your existing routines.
Simple adjustments can have a significant impact. For example, you might switch to whole-grain bread, park farther away to increase daily steps, establish a consistent sleep schedule with a relaxing bedtime routine, or incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Adopting healthier habits typically involves four stages. The first is contemplation, when you begin thinking about making a change and consider your goals and motivation.
The second stage is preparation. During this phase, it is helpful to plan how you will implement the change and set realistic goals. For instance, if your goal is to walk more, you might decide to park farther away during errands or schedule regular walks with a friend a few times each week.
The third stage is action. This is when you begin implementing changes and adjusting as needed. You may encounter challenges and need to refine your approach. For example, if a walking partner frequently cancels, you might explore alternative ways to stay active independently.
The final stage is maintenance. At this point, the focus is on sustaining your new habits and remaining consistent in your efforts over time.
On average, it takes about 66 days for a new habit to feel automatic. Be patient with yourself and stay consistent. Embrace the theme of Older Americans Month by remembering that you are the champion of your own health. Enjoy the process and celebrate every small step you take toward improved well-being.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
