What’s It All About?

The observance month began more than 30 years ago as part of our National Healthy Aging^® Campaign to continue to draw attention to healthy, active lifestyles at any age.

The month was created in 1992, by Carolyn Worthington, president of Healthy Aging^®, the official multi-media platform promoting the month.

“Our goal in creating the month was to draw attention to the positive sides of growing older. We felt there needed to be a second time during the year in addition to May is Older Americans Month. September was chosen because so many people feel they can “get started” more easily at that time. Maybe the back-to-school routine never really goes away.”

Now, after more than three decades, Worthington sees the national interest in continuing healthy lifestyles well into older ages has never been stronger.

“We were pleased to announce that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the resolution marking September as National Healthy Aging Month in 2021,” Worthington said. Numerous governors prior to that proclaimed the national observance month for their states as well.

“We are proud of our efforts to continue to build awareness for healthy lifestyles. Since we kicked off the observance month, the myths of aging have been chipping away”,  Worthington said.

“Of course, there are still stereotypes about older adults,” Worthington said. Perhaps the baby boomers embracing aging like no other generation started turning the tide. It is not unusual to see people in their 80s and 90s doing spectacular things today.”

Latest Pioneers of Aging

It wasn’t that long ago that 105-year-old Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins set a Senior Games world record in the 100-meter dash. Just the thought of a centenarian running even a few steps seemed outlandish a few years ago, never mind that would ever be athletic events embraced by oldsters.

Recently, 93-year-old Everett Kalin, a retired professor, climbed Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome at 8,800 feet.

But, successful aging is not limited to physical feats.

Supporting the point that aging is cool, Forbes magazine started a “50 Over 50” annual list three years ago. Some of those on the current list include Peggy Whitson, 63, who was the first woman to head up a private mission to the International Space Stations; Cynthia Chavez Lamar, 51, became director of the National Museum of the American Indian; Joy Harjo, 68, 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States.

Survey Reveals What Today’s Seniors Think of Aging

A recent Harris Poll survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults, The New Age of Aging, including over 900 adults age 50+ reveals a dramatic shift in how Americans define old age and envision the possibilities of the later years of life.

The study was conducted by Age Wave, founded nearly 40 years ago by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., CEO of Age Wave and who is a psychologist, gerontologist, and best-selling author of 19 books on aging-related issues.

Here are some of the survey findings:

• 79% of adults 50+ think today’s older adults are more active and 58% say they are more open-minded and curious compared with the previous generation.
• Definition of what is considered old is changing. Age 60 was considered “old” in their grandparents’ time, now age 80 is the median age considered “old” today.
• 83% of U.S. adults 65+ say it’s more important for them to feel useful than youthful in their retirement years. Today’s elders increasingly want a continued sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.
• Modern elders feel happier, more free, and less anxiety-ridden than younger generations. Today’s modern elders aren’t just looking back, reminiscing on the good old times. 71% of Americans 65+ say the best time of their lives is right now or in front of them.
• Vision of retirement is changing. 97% of adults 65+ agree that it’s important to stay curious and be willing to learn new things throughout life’s later years.
• 66% of Americans age 50+ see retirement as a new chapter in life, while only 16% say it’s principally a time for rest and relaxation.
• 59% of pre-retirees and retirees say they want to work in some form in retirement. Employee benefits like flex-work, remote-work, sabbaticals, and paid leave can help retain older workers and fuel economic growth.

What’s Your Successful Aging Success Story?

There are so many other success stories out there. Share yours with us at the official site for September is Healthy Aging^® Month either by emailing us for a possible feature article on the website, editor@healthyaging.net, or sharing via Facebook

So, let’s all continue to celebrate older adults who follow life with a passion, give back, and inspire others. Here’s to celebrating positive lifestyle choices, especially during September is Healthy Aging^® Month!

Resources

The official 2023 September is Healthy Aging^® Month poster is now available.

If you are a health educator or administrator or simply want daily inspiration, the September is Healthy Aging^® Month poster is the perfect visual for you.

The motivational poster captures the essence of a healthy lifestyle … dream big, look forward, and climb every mountain no matter how impossible it may look.

The 4-color poster is 18” x 24” and printed on high-quality 80 lb. cover stock. The poster is shipped promptly and arrives rolled in a shipping tube. Posters are shipped promptly.

Single print posters are $15.95 plus postage and handling.

Quantity discounts and the option for adding your corporate logo are available. Email: sales@healthyaging.net for further information.

Healthcare Educators Tips for Poster Use

The 2023 September is Healthy Aging^® Month poster makes an excellent lead-in to any wellness program discussion. If you are a health educator or wellness coordinator, you can use the poster to kick off sessions on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Topics ideas include getting and staying in shape, the importance of challenging the mind and spirit, and why making a commitment to better health and keeping up social connections are critical.

Healthy Aging^® Magazine Celebration Discount for Friends and Family

Order a subscription to Healthy Aging^® Magazine for friends and family and receive 70% off the subscription rate for the September is Healthy Aging^® Month promotion.

Use promo code: 70percent (Valid until 9 30 23)