Older Americans Month takes place every year in May, and it is a great time to both celebrate our elders and remember just how important they are to the charitable world.
This year's theme for the campaign (run by the Administration on Aging) is "never too old to play," and features a bevy of images showing older people just having fun.
The theme is just a bit jarring considering all the headlines recently about Social Security and Medicare being on the brink; the stampede by retirement aged people back into the workforce or never leaving; and retirement portfolios in dizzy mode from a seemingly never-ending fiscal crisis.
However, older Americans are still the wealthiest demographic group, and they practically keep many nonprofits going. They give, volunteer, write charities into their wills, and generally support causes from A to Z.
As 10,000 Baby Boomers jump into retirement age (if not always into retirement life) each day, let's remember that older Americans will be our staunchest supporters for many years to come.
Ignore them at your peril.
Here are some articles from the last couple of years that explore how and why we should all be celebrating older Americans in May and the rest of the year too.
- Why Older Donors Matter
- 6 Tips for How Nonprofits Can Reach Baby Boomers as They Turn 65
- 5 Steps to a Website That Will Attract and Keep Mature Donors & Volunteers
Images: Older Americans Month Campaign Materials
Comments