Older Americans Month emphasizes how social connections benefit older adults

May is Older Americans Month, “a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.” This year’s theme is “Powered by Connection.” Throughout the month, government agencies, community organizations, and social media users have been sharing how social connections are important for older adults’ physical and mental well-being on social media.

Recommendation: Trending conversations about Older Americans Month provide an opportunity to promote mental health resources for older adults. Ensuring that health-related FAQ sheets and one-pagers for older adults are updated to include mental health resources such as hotlines, counseling, support groups, and local mental health centers is recommended. Trending conversations about mental health also provide an opportunity to push out existing content and messaging that outlines mental health warning signs in older adults, health risks associated with loneliness, and social engagement opportunities for older adults.