Older Americans Month

May is officially “Older Americans Month”. I have to admit that it is getting harder to define what someone means by older. The American Association of Retired Persons, commonly known as AARP, states their focus is on those 50 years old and above. Montana State code uses the age of 60-65 for most sections related to “elders.” In 1964 when the Older Americans Act was passed, average life expectancy in the US was 70. Social Security retirement age was 65. Life expectancy in 2023 is nearly 80, with a retirement age moving towards 67. Here at the Alliance we generally look at 60 as our age for defining who is a senior.

Mike Larson Executive Director

All these numbers are important and have their uses. But that isn’t what I want to focus on. Instead, think about this. Mick Jagger is 79, Paul McCartney is 80, and Paul Simon is 81. All of these music icons are still active today, producing their new music, and performing live on tour. Those are some pretty prominent names most of you will recognize, but every day, right here in Yellowstone County there are similar stories. They may not be internationally famous, but there are numerous folks in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond contributing their time and talent to make Yellowstone County a great place to live.

The theme for this years Older Americans month is “Aging Unbounded”. The Alliance Volunteer program is one place where we see that put into practice every day. Whether it’s delivering a meal to a homebound senior, preparing a tax return, or providing a ride to the store. Our volunteers are showing unbounded care for those they serve. The majority of the 400 plus volunteers currently active are older adults, but that doesn’t mean that some “younger” folks wouldn’t be welcome to join in. I am pretty sure it is guaranteed to help keep you young!