Complete Story
05/12/2025
Ohio Department of Aging Celebrates First-Ever Older Ohioans Month
COLUMBUS, Ohio – This May, Ohio is celebrating the first-ever Older Ohioans Month.
Historically, Ohio has recognized May as Older Americans Month. However, earlier this year, Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill officially designating May as Older Ohioans Month in line with his continued commitment to older adults.
“In May, we celebrate nearly 3 million older Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “We want people to remain empowered, active members of their communities. That can mean staying in or rejoining the workforce, participating in lifelong learning, taking charge of your health, or remaining engaged citizens well into older adulthood.”
“Establishing May as Older Ohioans Month allows us to celebrate the many ways our administration is working to make Ohio the best place to age in the nation,” said Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) Director Ursel J. McElroy. “Older Ohioans are active, full of life, and looking to age on their terms. By providing resources that promote health, connection, and informed decision-making, we are helping older adults thrive all year long.”
Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel have issued a proclamation marking the occasion and encouraging all Ohioans to celebrate and recognize those aged 60 or older.
In honor of this year’s Older Ohioans Month and Older Americans Month, ODA is challenging what it means to age.
The Administration for Community Living’s 2025 Older Americans Month theme is “Flip the Script on Aging.” The theme challenges outdated stereotypes and highlights the fulfilling lives older adults lead every day. With more than one in four Ohioans expected to be over the age of 60 by 2030, ODA is committed to changing how aging is viewed and experienced across the state.
Guided by the understanding that aging is a time for continued growth, ODA is helping older Ohioans thrive through innovative programs.
One program designed to help older Ohioans and their families choose the right long-term care option based on their needs is the newly expanded Long-Term Care Quality Navigator. The Navigator is a user-friendly, digital dashboard that aims to help Ohioans find a nursing home or assisted living facility for themselves or their loved ones.
Along with making it easier for Ohioans to find long-term care, ODA has also increased support for the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which advocates for the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care.
“We’re redefining what long-term care looks like in Ohio,” said State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Leilani Pelletier. “Aging should never mean giving up your voice. Our program exists to make sure that voice is not only protected, but strengthened.”
At the same time, programs like the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program – whose 2025 applications opened in April – promote healthy aging and social connection. By providing eligible older adults with access to fresh, locally grown produce, the program not only supports smart lifestyle choices but also strengthens connections between older adults and their local communities and farmers.
Other events designed to help flip the script on aging are the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and ODA’s annual expo at the Ohio State Fair. The hall of fame honors older adults and the roles they play in their communities. Individuals selected for the hall of fame set an example for all Ohioans by leading lives not defined by age or barriers. At the state fair expo, ODA promotes active aging with more than 3,000 square feet of free health screenings, wellness demonstrations, and lifestyle programs promoting independence provided by state and community partners.
Aging safely is an important part of leading a fulfilling life. Ohioans can help protect their aging family members and neighbors by visiting AgeSafelyOhio.org for tips on recognizing abuse and neglect. The site, run by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, can help people better understand and report suspected elder abuse.
To learn more about how you or a loved one can age well in Ohio, visit Aging.Ohio.gov. To connect with services in your community, contact your local Area Agency on Aging at aging.ohio.gov/find-services or call 1-866-246-5678.
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Learn more at Aging.Ohio.gov.
