Each May, we celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM). This is a time to recognize the vital contributions of older adults. It also allows us to reflect on the changing landscape of aging in our communities. The 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” encourages us to challenge outdated assumptions. It invites us to embrace a bold and inclusive vision of growing older.
For centuries, aging has been viewed through a lens of decline. Yet history tells a different story. In ancient societies, elders were seen as vital sources of wisdom. They were responsible for guiding communities through stories and leadership. Elders also ensured cultural continuity. Today, older adults continue to shape our world through work, caregiving, volunteering, art, activism, and advocacy. Indeed, the economic power that many older adults have is an undervalued, unrecognized strength, according to Dr. Joseph Coughlin’s The Longevity Economy: Unlocking the World’s Fastest Growing, Most Misunderstood Market.
Consider how cultural understanding of older adulthood has been shaped by leaders, such as the late Maggie Kuhn, who founded the Gray Panthers at age 65 to challenge ageism and champion social justice. Demonstrating how aging bodies and minds can remain active and resilient, John Glenn returned to space at age 77 and Fauja Singh ran marathons until the age of 101 after beginning long-distance running at the age of 89. These demonstrations of optimal aging are remarkable in contrast to commonly held stereotypes and myths about aging. While most examples of optimal aging go unnoticed by the public, younger older adults (65 – 74 years of age) through the oldest old and centenarians (95 years +) remain active by engaging in physical wellness activities, community volunteering, pursuing hobbies, learning to play an instrument or a new language, and dancing, to name a few.
This month, let’s rethink what it means to age. Let’s flip the script by celebrating the strengths of older adults that reflect resilience, adaptability, creativity, and insight. You are encouraged to share stories in your social media that highlight intergenerational relationships, active older adults, and sharing of resources and services that support older adults in their communities and homes of choice.
As we mark Older Americans Month 2025, let’s commit to creating a culture where aging is celebrated, not stigmatized. Where every person, regardless of age, is seen, heard, and valued.
It’s time to flip the script and write a better story on aging together.
Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging 