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Older Americans Month 2020: Make Your Mark

Around the nation, older adults make their marks every day as volunteers, employees, employers, parents, grandparents, mentors, and advocates. They offer their time, talents, and experience to the benefit of our communities.

For 57 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been a special time to recognize these contributions. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) each May, OAM also provides resources to help older Americans stay healthy and independent, and materials to help communities support and celebrate their citizens.

This year’s OAM theme, Make Your Mark, highlights older adults’ unique and lasting contributions to their communities—everything from sharing a story with grandchildren to leaving a legacy of community action. In the spirit of this theme, here are a few ways to make your mark this May and all year long:

Volunteer your time. Local schools, shelters, food kitchens, and hospitals always need support. Help a neighbor by prepping a meal, picking up groceries, or giving them a ride. Or, take time to pass on your knowledge. Why not tutor a student who could use extra help in math, music, or science?

Share your story. There are so many ways to do this, from showing your grandkids around your old neighborhood to writing a book. Take a class and learn how to express yourself with the arts! Or, assemble a photo album of important moments in your life.

Get involved in your neighborhood. Join a homeowner or resident association, organize a block party, or sign up for a book club or other social group. Have a green thumb? Small projects like planting flowers in your yard or cleaning up the community park have a big impact.

Communities that support and include all their members are stronger! Please join SAGE and the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging in strengthening our community. Following are a list of resources we are Spotlighting this month - we encourage you to share these across your networks in support of LGBT older adults. 

COVID-19 & LGBT Older People

LGBTQ Aging: the Case for inclusive Long-Term Care Communities

SAGE's National Resource Center on LGBT Aging - 10 Year Review

Advocating for Yourself and Others: Health and Aging Services

The Facts on LGBT Aging

Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know About HIV/AIDS

Aging While Transgender: Unique Issues

Create Your Care Plan: An LGBT Person's Guide to Preparing for Medical Procedures

© 2011-2021 Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint these articles, or post them online, please e-mail us.