Older Americans Month

The month of May is
Older Americans Month! This year's theme is Communities of Strength. This month seeks to recognize and celebrate older employees in the workforce and their contributions to our communities. It also stresses that you are never too old when it comes to being involved in activities that match your interests. During this month, Illinois workNet will be posting events related to Older Americans Month, so be sure to keep up on the latest and honor these workers.

To read more about this month, its history, and how to remain engaged, check out the Older Americans Month website.

Below are some important ideas and resources for older individuals to keep in mind during this month and beyond.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to keep busy, remain involved with the community, and participate in activities that suit your interests. As most volunteer programs are for people 16 years and older, this is an excellent way to remain active. For more information about this, read Illinois workNet's article on

Volunteer Guidelines. Volunteer experience also increases your chances of career advancement.

Career Advancement

When faced with a promotion or job change, it's important to make an inventory of the skills you have and used on the job. This can be beneficial as it can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and may also show you what you should prioritize to better aid you with your new position. Keeping your skills in mind for career advancement is important at every age. Read workNet's article on

Why Career Advancement Skills Matter for more information. 

Discrimination

Workplace discrimination is unacceptable at every level and unfortunately takes place with every demographic, even age. If this occurs in your work environment, you may want to look into how to handle these types of situations. Illinois workNet has prepared articles on how you can handle these situations. Read more about workplace discrimination in the articles

Workplace Discrimination and the EEOC and

Dealing with Inappropriate Interview Questions.

Resources

Below are some helpful programs and resources that encourage older individuals to remain active and involved within the workforce and their communities.

National Employ Older Workers Week

During the last full week of September National Employ Older Workers Week is celebrated. This annual event honors the important contributions that older workers make on the job.

Visit their website to read more about how this initiative seeks to raise awareness of this labor population.²

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

This community and work-based program trains older workers so that they improve their skillset in the workplace. SCSEP is geared towards low-income individuals who are unemployed and 55 years or older, being part of this program grants participants a wealth of resources to use at the

WorkforceGPS Resource Library.³

Resources for Remaining Active in your Communities:

Here are some resources and initiatives for older individuals who can remain active within their communities by following these organizations:

• 
  Senior Corps

• 
  engAGED
  

• 
  AARP - AARP has several tools and resources for health, money, work & retirement, family caregiving, and more on their Tools and Calculators page.
  

Other Resources

Here are some additional resources for older individuals to stay safe, so that they can remain active and contributing forces within their communities:

• The Most Common In-Home Injuries for Seniors and How to Prevent Them
• Preventing Falls
• Fall Prevention for Seniors
• Ten Safe Gardening Tips for Seniors
• Your Medicare Coverage Choices
• Medicare.gov User Guide
• Understanding Medicare
• What Medicare Doesn't Cover
• Participating in Activities You Enjoy
  
• Productive Aging and Work

Resources

1. https://acl.gov/oam/2023/older-americans-month-2023
2. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/seniors/national-employ-older-workers-week
3. https://olderworkers.workforcegps.org/about