Curiosity starts today! Photos: Deposit Photos

August 12, 2026 … With September just weeks away, individuals and organizations are making plans for September Is Healthy Aging® Month, now in its 34th year.

This year’s theme, “Curiosity Has No Age Limit,” celebrates the role curiosity can play in helping us stay engaged, keep learning, discover new interests, and continue exploring what comes next.

Founded in 1992, September Is Healthy Aging® Month was created to draw attention to the positive aspects of growing older and to encourage adults to take greater responsibility for their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being.

The 2026 theme recognizes curiosity as a powerful force for living a fuller, more engaged life. Whether learning a new skill, exploring a different perspective, trying a new activity, traveling to an unfamiliar destination, or simply asking more questions, curiosity helps keep us connected to the world around us.

“Curiosity is not reserved for the young,” said Carolyn Worthington, founder of September Is Healthy Aging® Month and publisher of Healthy Aging®. “It is one of the qualities that keeps life interesting, meaningful, and rewarding at every age. Curiosity encourages us to learn, connect, grow, and continue discovering new possibilities throughout our lives.”

Worthington created September Is Healthy Aging® Month in 1992 to inspire adults to take stock of their health and life goals in a realistic and positive way.

“September was a natural fit,” Worthington said. “It is a time when many people are ready for a fresh start—a grown-up version of the back-to-school season. It also provides an opportunity to focus on the positive aspects of growing older in addition to May’s Older Americans Month.”

Since its founding, September Is Healthy Aging® Month has received numerous local, state, and national proclamations recognizing its value. In 2021, a unanimous U.S. Senate resolution formally recognized September as Healthy Aging® Month, helping bring additional attention to the importance of healthy lifestyles, lifelong learning, and personal growth throughout adulthood.

Research has shown that lifelong learning, social engagement, physical activity, and maintaining a sense of purpose can contribute to overall well-being and quality of life. The 2026 theme encourages individuals, organizations, healthcare providers, community groups, libraries, senior centers, employers, and educators to promote activities that stimulate curiosity and foster continued growth.

Ten Ways to Celebrate “Curiosity Has No Age Limit”

1. Learn something new.

Take a class, attend a workshop, watch a tutorial, or explore a subject that has always interested you.

2. Explore your community.

Visit a museum, park, historic site, restaurant, or neighborhood you’ve never experienced before.

3. Try a new physical activity.

Consider walking, pickleball, yoga, tai chi, swimming, dancing, or another activity that challenges you in a positive way.

4. Read outside your comfort zone.

Choose a book, magazine, or article on a topic you know little about.

5. Connect with people of different generations.

Meaningful conversations across age groups can offer fresh perspectives and new ideas.

6. Embrace technology.

Learn how to use a new app, device, or online tool that can enhance your daily life.

7. Pursue a creative interest.

Write, paint, photograph, cook, garden, craft, or make music simply for the joy of learning.

8. Ask more questions.

Curiosity begins with a willingness to wonder and explore.

9. Revisit an old dream.

Consider a hobby, destination, skill, or goal you’ve always wanted to pursue.

10. Say yes to a new experience.

Growth often begins when we step outside familiar routines.

Get Ready for September

The official 2026 September Is Healthy Aging® Month poster is now available, featuring this year’s “Curiosity Has No Age Limit” theme.

Organizations can use the poster as a centerpiece for September programs, health fairs, workplace wellness activities, library and community displays, educational programs, and other Healthy Aging® Month events.

Additional resources and ideas for participating in September Is Healthy Aging® Month are also available through HealthyAging.net, with more information being added as the September observance approaches.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to share their activities, events, and ideas throughout September and help spread the message that curiosity, learning, growth, and new experiences have no age limit.

The official poster and educational materials are produced and distributed by Educational Television Network, Inc. (ETNET), the nonprofit educational partner of September Is Healthy Aging® Month.