According to the Administration for Community Living, a federal agency under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, America celebrates Older Americans Month in May each year to give tribute, raise awareness, and honor the contributions and resilience of senior citizens in our nation.
It all started in 1963, when President John F. Kennedy met with the members of the National Council of Aging, a non-profit organization established in 1950 to advocate for senior resources, to discuss the needs and challenges of people aged 65 and over. As a result, President Kennedy declared May as “Senior Citizens Month.” Two years later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) into law. This was a federal initiative passed by Congress to create the Administration on Aging (AOA) to coordinate and provide grants to various community-based services for seniors, such as caregiver support, transportation, legal assistance, home-delivered nutrition services (Meals on Wheels), elderly rights, and elder abuse prevention. The purpose of these services is for seniors to maintain their dignity, health, and independence, and meet their social and economic needs. Fifteen years later (1980), the OAA inspired President Jimmy Carter to change the month-long observance from “Senior Citizens Month” into “Older Americans Month.”
Beyond history, the Lord offers a profound promise of support for our seniors in Isaiah 46:4 (Lexham English Bible): “Even to your old age I am He; even to your advanced age I myself will support you. I myself have made you, and I myself will carry you, and I myself will support you, and I will save you.”
Additionally, in the spirit of this month, I offer this intercessory prayer:
Dear God, our Heavenly Father,
As we in America continue the tradition of observing Older Americans Month, we humbly ask that Your Spirit join us as we offer tribute to all our elderly citizens.
May You call out churches and schools to offer recognition to older people who serve as a powerful influence on young people, whether in educating, mentoring, training, counseling, or offering moral support, as Leviticus 19:32 from the Voice Bible says, “You are to stand in respect for the older people in your community.”
We also ask throughout the month that You will shine Your blessings of favor, grace, and glory on all gerontological and geriatric doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals employed or volunteering in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, social services, and civic leagues, meeting the financial, legal, medical, and other physical needs of seniors.
We pray that all our senior citizens spend the rest of their lives enjoying a carefree, joyous, peaceful, and prosperous life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Kenneth Sullivan