OLDER

AMERICANS

MONTH

BLAZE A TRAIL : MAY 2016

ACTIVITY 

SUGGESTIONS

The 2016 Older Americans Month (OAM) theme, “Blaze a Trail,” 

emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through 

new work and passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of 

positive impact on the lives of people of all ages. 

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) and its Administration on 

Aging (AoA) encourage organizations around the country to plan activities 

in honor of OAM. This guide offers ideas to help you bring older adults 

together with others in your community to learn, socialize, and have fun. 

Whether you plan one activity or several, ACL and AoA commend your 

participation! Remember, tailor these activities to best suit your needs 

and the interests of the older adults in your community.

Don’t forget 

to share your 

plans and 

successes using 

#oam16

Trailblazer Stories

Hold a community “trailblazer” story competition. 

Personal stories are great ways to share the 

accomplishments of your community members 

while inspiring others to take action. Encourage 

the older adults in your area to share how they 

are blazing trails—giving back to the community, 

starting new careers or hobbies, redefining aging, 

or anything else that says, “trailblazer.” The call for 

stories can be broad or focused on a special topic. ACL created a Guide 

for Organizers that offers suggestions, a sample release form, and more.

Trail Walk (Indoor or Outdoor)

In an accessible location, host a walk with trail 

markers (stations) staffed by people who can talk 

about OAM-related themes (financial security, 

connection, wellness, etc.). Participants can stop 

at each station to get information or participate in 

an activity. For instance, a fitness marker could be 

operated by someone demonstrating gentle 

stretches or by a nutritionist offering tips on 

healthy foods. Seek community volunteers who want to share their 

expertise. ACL’s InfoSheets offer ideas for topics; you might event print 

them for your stations.
Give Back Group

Seek older adults (and others!) who want to 

volunteer. Plan an activity that gives something 

back to your community. Projects might involve 

picking up trash or gardening in public areas—

possibly along a local trail/path to tie into the 

theme. Alternatives include collecting 

donations for charity, painting walls in an 

underserved school, and volunteering to support local service members. 

Collaborate with a nonprofit in your area—they may already have ideas 

or projects that can get you started. Toolkits from Serve.gov are also 

great resources.

Intergenerational Connection 

Younger and older adults can form lasting and 

mutually beneficial relationships with one 

another. Encourage these connections by 

organizing an activity with a local school or 

special groups, like Boys and Girls Clubs. 

Invite older adults to tutor and mentor the 

students, or have students interview and write 

about older community members. Start by 

contacting a school or club administrator. Alternatively, get teenagers 

and young adults to reach out. They can volunteer in senior centers, 

help neighbors with yard work, or just visit. Go to Generations United

for more ideas about creating these important connections.

OAM Event

Invite community members to a luncheon, 

half-day, day long, or evening event celebrating 

Older Americans Month. There are a number 

of approaches to an activity like this, from 

variety shows to workshops. If you want 

something fun and casual, think about a 

“Trailblazers Have Talent” show with older 

musicians, magicians, and others. You can even 

sell tickets to benefit a local charity. If you want to plan something more 

educational, invite local experts (professors, authors, professionals) to 

present on special topics. Here are Event Planning Tips to help you get 

started.

www.acl.gov/olderamericansmonth