Older Americans Month is observed annually every May in the United States. It’s primarily observed to recognize the contributions of past and present older persons to the country, particularly those who defended the country.   

• Action Alert!  Older Americans Month 2024 Theme Announced – The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. Learn more at ACL.gov.  
• The State of Older American Health – How are older Americans doing? Learn about common diseases affecting this population, life expectancy, and more over at the CDC’s website.  
• How Social Factors Affect the Health of Older Americans – Economic stability. Social supports. Health care access. These are just a few of the social determinants that affect the overall health of this population. Learn more at health.gov.  
• How to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults – Check out this toolkit from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. A study conducted in part by Harvard Medical School also talks about evidence-backed ways to build resistance to loneliness for this population.  
• Stories About Seniors That Inspire and Encourage – In this article, younger relatives share stories about their older loved ones about their histories. These retirees are competing in elite sports events, helping people with new technology, and more.  
• Organizational Spotlight: The Senior Source Empowers Seniors – From financial advice to retirement strategies to nursing home ins-and-outs, the Senior Source has you covered.

In the United States, about 1 in 10 people aged fifty years and older have osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis have weak bones, putting them at higher risk for fractures that can lead to serious health problems and death. Women are much more likely than men to have osteoporosis. Learn about risk reduction, treatment, and more for osteoporosis below.  

• Action Alert! May is Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month – To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the month, the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is sharing 40 stories of people living with osteoporosis. Access them here.  
• Osteoporosis 101 – What is osteoporosis exactly, and what causes it? Find out here.  
• How to Prevent Fractures – Osteoporosis prevention should begin in childhood. But it shouldn’t stop there. Whatever your age, the habits you adopt now can affect your bone health for the rest of your life. Learn how to build healthy bones for life.  
• Patient Support for Osteoporosis – Join an online support group, find an osteoporosis event, or find an osteoporosis specialist.  

According to Mental Health America, nearly 20% of adults are experiencing a mental illness. Equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans. 5% are experiencing a severe mental illness. Learn more below.  

• Action Alert! Raise Mental Health Awareness With New Toolkit – Mental Health America’s 2024 Mental Health Month toolkit provides free resources to help plan your efforts and raise awareness during the month of May and beyond. It has DIY tools, social media assets, resources, templates, printable handouts, and more! Get it here.  
• The State of Mental Health in America – Learn about the most common mental illnesses by state, barriers to treatment, mental health and health insurance, children’s mental health, and more in this 2024 stats roundup.  
• 22 Ways to Cope with Depression – Many of these can be done today, right now, while you wait for a medical appointment or for a medication adjustment.  
• How to Recognize and Manage Anxiety – Tips for managing immediate symptoms as well as long-term methods to combat recurring anxiety. 
• Best Online Therapy Services of 2024 – And yes, some of these are even starting to be covered by insurance.   

In 2014, Menstrual Hygiene Day started with just 155 partners and 89 pieces of media coverage. Since then, it has grown into a global movement for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. Learn how to celebrate on May 28 and beyond, and get menstrual hygiene resources below.  

• Action Alert! Advocate for a Period Positive World with the Menstruation Bracelet – The Menstruation Bracelet is more than an accessory. It is a symbol for menstruation. And it is a statement. A statement that says: Periods are nothing to hide. They are totally normal, and we can talk about them openly. 
• Period Poverty in the U.S. – Nearly 1 in 4 students have struggled to afford period products in the United States. Nearly two thirds (64%) of low-income women were unable to afford needed menstrual hygiene supplies during the previous year.  Learn more at Period.org.  
• How to Get Free Period Products – Did you know there are organizations that provide free menstrual hygiene supplies to people in need? Learn more about these orgs and how to access free period products here.  
• How to Use Tampons, Pads, Period Underwear, and Menstrual Cups – Many women use these products for too long or the wrong way, which can lead to complications like toxic shock syndrome. Check out this guide from Planned Parenthood on all your period product options and correct usage.   

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