May Celebrations

We would like to begin this blog by celebrating Older Americans Month – Aging Unbound.

Older Americans Month

Every May we celebrate Older Americans Month as a way to recognize the achievements and contributions of seniors. There are currently more than 56 million Americans over the age of 65 and that number is expected to grow to to over 73 million by the year 2030.  The Older Americans Month theme for 2023 is “Aging Unbound”; which offers an opportunity to explore an array of aging experiences without being boxed in by expectations and stereotypes.   As many adults age, they remain engaged, independent and very included in their communities.   This month was established in 1963, when at the time, there were only 17 million living Americans that reached their 65th birthday and there was a growing interest in older adults and their concerns.

At Presbyterian Senior Living, we invite all residents to enjoy the freedom of choice and flexibility that is offered at our communities. Our goal is to enrich residents’ lives at every stage of their aging journey. This helps to ensure that no matter where a resident lives, they have a sense of belonging; they are a part of the collective within the community and have the right to determine what is best for them. We appreciate the rich and diverse cultures and heritage that the residents bring as this fosters the sense of value that they offer to each community in which they live.  

During this month, we encourage you to see how you can honor the older adults in your life. How can you tap into their wisdom from their varied and diverse life experiences? What can you learn from all that they have seen and accomplished. The multiple facets of knowledge, the contributions and sacrifices made, they are the bonds that helped to hold our families, our communities, our world together and they cannot be celebrated enough. This month, remind an older adult in your life how much they mean to you, remind them that they are loved, and thank them for what they have provided to you as you move through your life’s journey. For more on Older Americans Month, visit National Today.

Presbyterian Senior Living would like to acknowledge other celebrations that are recognized during the month of May, respecting that this list may not be all inclusive. Enjoy celebrating and learning about other cultures this month!

Jewish American Heritage Month
5 Ways to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month | AJC

Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the triumphs and bravery of the Jewish population. From contributing important scientific discoveries to raising the flag for the abused and neglected, the Jewish population has played a huge role in where America stands today on the world stage. Albert Einstein and Ruth Bader Ginsburg — both of whom fought through hard times to emerge victoriously; are just two examples of these contributions. In order to honor the Jewish communities’ continued achievements, May was declared as Jewish American Heritage Month by former president George W. Bush in 2006.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Origins, Themes & Populations (history.com)

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical contributions and influences that the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans have made to the history, culture and achievement of the United States. This month was to celebrate two key milestones; the arrival of the nation’s first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843 and the Chinese workers’ pivotal role in building the transcontinental railroad (completed May 10, 1869). The effort to officially recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander contributions to the United States began in the late 1970s, and took over 10 years to make it a permanent month-long celebration.

Additional May celebrations to note:

• Month of May - Mental Health Awareness Month
• May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
• May 17 – Malcolm X’s Birthday
• May 26 – Buddha’s Birthday