May is Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month, and the 2023 theme, “Aging Unbound,” highlights diverse aging experiences, helps dispel stereotypes and showcases how society benefits when older adults remain engaged, independent and included in communities.

According to the 2018 Texas Population Projections Data Tool, Texas has the third largest population of adults age 50 and older. In 2020, Texas had 9 million adults age 50 and older, and that population is projected to grow 82% to 16.4 million by 2050.

The Age Well Live Well (AWLW) campaign helps older adults, their caregivers and communities prepare for aging. This campaign promotes easy pathways to resources and emphasizes how to make healthy changes using three core message areas: be healthy, be connected and be informed. Visit the Aging Well Resources Order Form to explore AWLW and other aging resources.

There are a variety of resources to support healthy aging in Texas, including:

  • Aging Texas Well is a strategic planning effort that reviews policies impacting older Texans, assesses local and state readiness to meet the needs of older adults, and helps communities build service capacity. The Aging Texas Well strategic plan uses the Older Americans Act as a foundation to plan for aging needs and identify aging-specific priorities for the state.
  • Texercise is a health initiative that provides free physical activity and nutrition resources to educate, motivate and engage adults age 45 and older. To learn more, visit the Texercise website.
  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program assists people with buying the food they need for good health. To learn more, visit the SNAP website.
  • Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide older adults, their families and caregivers with nutrition services, home and congregate meals, and evidence-based fitness programs. To connect with the nearest AAA, visit the HHS AAA webpage or call 800-252-9240.
  • Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) help streamline access to long-term services and support for the whole family. To learn more, visit the HHS ADRC webpage or call 855-937-2372.