Washington County Weekend Post e-edition
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/128498
May Is Older Americans Month History of Older Americans Month When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month." month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities. Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition. Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the STRENGTHENING SENIORS Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program offered at the Kettle Moraine YMCA free of charge The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is an innovative health, exercise and wellness program helping older adults live healthy, active lifestyles. Your SilverSneakers Access to two facilities, one of which is an adult only facility, three heated pools, locker rooms with private showers, an indoor track, state-of-the-art SilverSneakers® classes and other classes we offer such as yoga, pilates and through your health plan. KETTLE MORAINE YMCA | 1111 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095 262-334-3405 | www.kmymca.org 5 - 5 - 13 • Washington County Post Retail • 31