When I think back to coming of age as a queer man, I most remember the lack of “possibility models.” I had no idea what my life could look like.
November Special Feature
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August Special Feature
August is National Eye Exam Month.
As we get older it is important to get our eyes checked to screen for diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.
For the August Special Feature we would like to highlight "August is National Eye Exam Month" from American Eye Associates.
July Special Feature
July is Disability Pride Month!
July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was passed July 26, 1990.
In honor of Disability Pride Month we would like to highlight "Everything to Know About the Disability Pride Flag and Disability Pride Month" by Jamie Ballard from woman's day as our July Special Feature.
June Special Feature
Happy Pride Month!
For our June special feature we would like to highlight the experience and advice of our LGBTQ+ Elders with the Washington Post Article "LGBTQ youth want role models. Queer Elders have a lot of advice.
Excerpt:
The challenge of generational isolation is common in today’s queer youth. Young queer people without positive role models are at much higher risk for “psychological distress” in their adolescence and depression in adulthood.
When the Trevor Project, a nonprofit that provides information and crisis support to LGBTQ youth, asked young people what brings them joy, respondents consistently pointed toward examples of the future. They cited things such as, “Happy LGBT Elders,” “Queer role models” and “Learning I’m not alone and that there are more people like me” as sources of hope
Read the Full Article on the Washington Post
May Special Feature
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.
This May, join ECIAAA as we recognize the 60th anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging. Here are some ways we can all participate in Aging Unbound:
- Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
- Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
- Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
- Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.
ECIAAA is proud to support the National Center to Reframe Aging (NCRA) Reframing Aging Initiative. The Reframing Aging movement is a long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. This greater understanding will counter ageism and guide our nation’s approach to ensuring supportive policies and programs for us all as we move through the life course. Lean more about the initiative at https://www.reframingaging.org/.
For more information, visit the official OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
