New York Estate Planning & Elder Law Blog
For 55-years, Older Americans Month has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging, every May offers opportunity to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation’s elders. Ways to show your support for Older Americans Month include taking selfies and group shots while participating in activities that improve your mental and physical well-being then posting the image to social media using the hashtag #OAM18.
The 2018 theme for Older Americans Month is “Engage at Any Age” and emphasizes that that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being and celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities. Older Americans can get involved in the celebration by participating in activities promoting mental and physical wellness and offering their wisdom and experience to the next generation.
President Kennedy first declared May to be Senior Citizens Month in 1963 as a way to honor citizens 65-years and older and since then, every president has proclaimed May to be a month to show support for older Americans. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the name to Older Americans Month and as a show of support, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys declares the month of May to be National Elder Law Month.
In May, elder law attorneys throughout the country will contribute a great deal to their communities by educating seniors about their legal options as part of the celebration of National Elder Law Month in conjunction with Older Americans Month. The event was designated by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys as a way to acknowledge the profession which supports the senior community with all of their planning needs.
While elder law encompasses an almost endless number of practice areas, most elder law attorneys concentrate their practice on several key areas, including estates and trust planning, conservatorship and guardianship, Medicare and Medicaid planning, retirement planning, asset protection and elder abuse prevention. But the most thing to remember about the month of May is that it is a time to celebrate the contributions of our senior citizens by celebrating Older Americans Month. Check out events going on in your area set up by local elder law attorneys promoting legal advocacy, guidance, and services to enhance the lives of seniors and people with disabilities.