Pharmaceutical market access vice presidents, executive directors, market access marketing, and brand leads:
Every year in May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is recognized. It is a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older adults to our country. The celebration is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and the theme for 2021 is “Communities of Strength.”
First Established in 1963
At the time, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday and about a third of older Americans lived in poverty with few programs to meet their needs (Administration for Community Living, 2019). That year, a meeting was held between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens which led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” a precursor to “Older Americans Month.” Every president since has asked the nation to pay tribute in some way to older adults in their communities.
2020 Tested the Strength of Older Americans
While defining the theme for this year, ACL proudly states, “This OAM, we will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities” (Administration for Community Living, 2021). During the current pandemic, older adults experienced extreme social isolation from family and friends. As the months pass, they continue to show strength by using wisdom and perspective gained from experience. It is time to honor these contributions of strength and help come together as a community.
How Can You Get Involved?
In addition to recognizing OAM, Aventria Health Group is currently partnering with The Gerontological Society of America to bring awareness to chronic conditions that affect the quality of life of our older Americans. Together we aim to improve the health and well-being of older adults by working to provide needed resources. The Gerontologic COACH Incubator™ (Collaborating for Older Adults’ Care and Health) is under development, and you can help with relevant content to support our older Americans.
Bring Awareness and Support to This Treasured Community
Join us in celebrating Older Americans Month. While celebrations typically include ceremonies, fairs, and other events, we can still take part in a different way this year. Let us embrace connection and strength by coming together in any way we can.
To learn more about how you and Aventria Health Group can bring awareness to the needs of older Americans, please reach out to:
Dave Dierk, Co-President, 30-year sales and marketing thought leader in pharmaceutical diagnostics, biomedical, long-term care, managed care, employer, and pharmacy communications, at dave.dierk@aventriahealth.com.
Making a difference in patient care by helping patients, providers, and payers collaborate on shared priorities
Sources:
Administration for Community Living. History of Older Americans Month. Updated November 12, 2019. Accessed May 4, 2021. https://acl.gov/oam/history
Administration for Community Living. OAM 2021. Updated May 3, 2021. Accessed May 4, 2021. https://acl.gov/oam/2021/older-americans-month-2021