Older Americans Month 2024: Powered by Connection
Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) each May, Older Americans Month (OAM) honors and supports our elders and their invaluable contributions to our past, present and future. Additionally, the ACL provides resources to support, celebrate and uplift older Americans all year!
This year’s theme is Powered by Connection, which aims to recognize how meaningful relationships and rich social connections impact one’s health and well-being.
Join us in exploring how connection plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of LGBTQ+ elders’ lives. We thank those who came before us for their invaluable service and passion. We are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ elders and strengthening their avenues for connection every single day. We encourage you to share these helpful resources that SAGE provides for LGBTQ+ older people across the country!
SAGE is powered by COMMUNITY.
53% of LGBTQ+ older people report feeling isolated from others.
Our SAGE Centers and their services fight isolation and loneliness, create and foster social connections, and help our elders maintain strong relationships every single day. We’re prioritizing LGBTQ+ elders’ health and well-being by offering meals, classes, veterans’ services, social events and much more across our centers.
We have locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Harlem, and the Bronx. Read more about the work we do at our centers by visiting SAGEServes.org.
SAGE is powered by COMPANIONSHIP.
LGBTQ+ older people are 2x more likely to live alone and are 4x less likely to have children than their heterosexual, cisgender peers.
LGBTQ+ elders are often left with less resources and increased levels of loneliness and isolation. Our Friendly Visitor Program helps fill this gap by matching LGBTQ+ elders and volunteers in New York City and Fort Lauderdale. Our program builds intergenerational relationships through weekly in-person visits, phone calls, and emails.
If you — or someone you know — would benefit from this program, check out www.sageserves.org for more information about getting involved!
SAGE is powered by COMPASSION.
39% of LGBTQ+ elders have experienced suicidal ideation during their lifetime, and 31% of LGBTQ+ elders have symptoms of depression. Further, this is 2 to 3 times higher than the general older adult population in the U.S.
Social connection and strong relationships can fight isolation and do wonders for feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. LGTBQ+ elders deserve to feel seen, validated and understood. Looking for someone you can immediately connect with without leaving your home? Chat with someone who truly cares in mere minutes with HearMe!
HearMe is an LGBTQ+ mental wellness app that provides confidential and anonymous help 24/7! Chat with trained volunteers in a safe and inclusive space. You don’t have to face life alone. Visit www.sageusa.org/hearme to sign up for support or to volunteer!
SAGE is powered by COLLABORATION.
89% of LGBTQ+ older people believed that a staff member would discriminate against an openly LGBTQ+ resident in a healthcare or retirement housing facility. 77% of LGBTQ+ older people reported that other residents would not socialize with an LGBTQ+ resident.
SAGECare is committed to providing training, speaking, consulting and credentialing services centered around LGBTQ+ aging. We provide cultural competency training to healthcare providers to make them more equipped to help LGBTQ+ older people find the best support and care possible. Find a credentialed provider for a loved one, become a SAGECare provider or learn more about our services by visiting www.sageusa.care today!
