Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring May 2026, as Older Americans Month in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation and present to the members of the Commission on Aging, Villages at Rockville, and the Senior Center.
Discussion
In 1963, the Administration for Community Living began to acknowledge the contributions of older people by using the month of May to celebrate Older Americans Month. The annual observance offers the opportunity to learn about, support, and honor our nation’s older residents. Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities, as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it, and there is no “right” way.
The 2026 theme, “Champion Your Health,” underscores prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages taking an active role in managing and advocating for your health, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions. This year, we are focused on evidence-based approaches, self-management, caregiver roles, and community partnerships that empower individuals to lead healthy lives.
While Rockville Senior Services provides a variety of programs and services year-round, Older Americans Month is used to focus on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to age in many ways. Throughout this month, Rockville Senior Services will conduct events, programs, and activities designed to highlight the programs and services available to Rockville’s older adults and how to stay connected.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council recognize May as Older Americans Month every year with a proclamation.
Public Notification and Engagement
Older Americans Month is advertised in the Rockville Senior Center May Newsletter, on the Senior Center webpage, and in the May edition of Rockville Reports.
If you would like to get involved this month you can sign up for the following programs: Line Dance Party, Walking Series, Understanding Social Isolation, Health Fair, and more. For a complete list of events in May, please visit www.rockvillemd.gov/seniorcenter <http://www.rockvillemd.gov/seniorcenter>