It’s Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month and, as the U.S. Census Bureau points out, we’ve got more older Americans than ever before.

This celebration of older Americans started in May 1963, as Senior Citizens Month, by the very young President John F. Kennedy.

Every president since has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May in support of older Americans.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation changing the name of this observance to Older Americans Month.

This month continues to be a time to celebrate the age 65 and older population through ceremonies, events and public recognition.

As of July 1, 2015 there were 47.8 million people age 65 and older in the United States. This group accounted for 14.9 percent of the total population. The age 65 and older population grew 1.6 million from 2014.

However, Census is projecting that there will be 98.2 million people age 65 and older in 2060. People in this age group will comprise nearly one in four U.S. residents.

Of this number, 19.7 million will be age 85 or older.

So, there will be many more older Americans to honor each May.