Each May, The United Methodist Church celebrates Older Adult Recognition Day to recognize older adults for their contributions to the church and community. This year’s theme, suggested by the Administration on Community Living (ACL), is Flip the Script on Aging.
ACL leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. United Methodist congregations are encouraged to take time in May to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults. Each church can decide when and how to celebrate Older Adult Recognition Day.
This year’s theme focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and churches to challenge stereotypes, dispel misconceptions, and recognize that aging is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be embraced.
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday. More than a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. An April 1963 meeting between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as Senior Citizens Month, the prelude to Older Americans Month.
Today, there are 65 million living Americans who are 65 years of age or older (U.S. Census Bureau estimate). By 2035, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, people 65 years of age and older will outnumber children and youth under the age of 18. This is a first in U.S. history!
As more people are living longer, resources and concerns related to aging and older adults are becoming more prevalent. Churches are earnestly adapting to growing numbers of older adults in their memberships and communities.
Congregations are reframing aging and making their church facilities ADA compliant and accessible for all people. Resources for intentional ministry, as well as meaningful services, abound to assist church leaders in expanding their ministry with older persons. Church leaders are moving from a ministry of disappointment in serving a shrinking community of older adults to a vision of creativity, energy, and exciting possibilities.
This year, join other United Methodist congregations and faith communities in honoring older adults’ contributions — exploring opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
To help you to better prepare for Older Adult Recognition Day, ENCORE Ministry Foundation has developed resource suggestions enabling your congregation to make a significant and positive difference. Click here to download the resource.
Dr. Richard Gentzler, director of Older Adult Ministry, oversees ENCORE Ministry’s mission of providing older adult ministry resources, leader training, and consultations. For more information, email Gentzler at or call 615-400-0539.
