Fighting stereotypes is a year-round activity. May, though, is specifically recognized as a month to celebrate older Americans and talk about how we can combat ageism. Each year, Older Americans Month (OAM) has a theme; the 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging,” focusing on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
To kickstart the conversation, we asked several area agencies on aging in the NYC metro area to share what they think we should know about this OAM.
“Older Americans Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate the 1.8 million New Yorkers aged 60+ and make sure they continue to be the cornerstone of our community,” shared Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Commissioner of NYC Aging. “It is also a time to remind everyone to stand up against ageist stereotypes that still hold too many older adults back from jobs and volunteer opportunities, and from achieving the quality of life they truly deserve. We at NYC Aging see the invaluable contributions older New Yorkers make to our great city every day. It’s time everyone else does, too.”
Why is this so essential? “Today’s older adults are living longer and healthier than any other time in history,” said Holly Rhodes-Teague, Director of Suffolk County Office for the Aging. “These individuals share their talents and time to enhance their communities and the lives of those who live there. The financial contributions of older adults also contribute to a robust economy.”
Indeed, as Marlene Barrett, Director of Putnam County Office for Senior Resources, underscores, “I want people to know that aging is an opportunity for growth, connection, and continued contribution. Older adults bring valuable wisdom, experience, and purpose to our lives. By challenging stereotypes, we can celebrate the active, engaged, and impactful roles they play, embracing aging as a time for discovery and meaningful connections.”
Mae Carpenter, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, offers a call to action: “I can think of no better time than now to advocate for maintaining needed services and programs for older adults that provide the opportunity to live and age well.”
One way to help Flip the Script is to get to know older adults and aging services. If you have not yet, you can get to know your office for the aging by looking up the contact info on the State Office for the Aging website. If you are in NYC, you can call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469). If you are looking for valuable ways to spend your time, consider volunteering with an aging services program.
You can also help spread the word about OAM. While the lead federal agency promoting Older Americans Month, the Administration on Community Living, was dissolved, as of this writing, you can still access digital promotional materials like logos and posters on their website.
Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Able News at The Viscardi Center and/or The Viscardi Center.