Older Americans Month 2026: ‘Champion Your Health’

Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.

Ohio has more than 2.8 million residents age 60 or older, who account for nearly one-quarter of the state’s total population.

Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) Director Ursel J. McElroy notes the Older Ohioans are a key source of the state’s strength, drawing on lifetimes of experiences, successes, difficulties and resilience. “Ohio is rich in this respect,” she said.

Champion Your Health

The 2026 theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health – advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence.

Here are some ways individuals can take care of their health at every age:

• Stay up to date on preventive care and screenings.
• Build and maintain social connections that support emotional well-being.
• Choose nutritious, minimally processed foods.
• Incorporate regular physical activity to maintain strength and mobility.
• Practice daily habits that support mental health and resilience.

Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone. Learn about Ohio’s strategies to help all Ohioans live longer, healthier lives, with dignity and autonomy at https://aging.ohio.gov/about-us/reports-and-data/ohios-state-plan.