Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) older adults are a growing and increasingly vital part of our country. The contributions that AAPI older adults make to our communities are varied, deeply rooted, and include influential roles in the nation’s economy, politics, and the arts.

In 1963, we began to acknowledge the contributions of older people by using the month of May to celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM). This annual observance offers the opportunity to learn about, support, and celebrate our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Blaze a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and new passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.

To kick off and celebrate OAM, the White House Initiative on AAPIs (WHIAAPI), in partnership with NAPCA, will convene listening sessions across the country to develop connections between federal departments, their regional networks, the community, and NAPCA to help AAPIs age with dignity and well-being.

Participants will learn about critical federal programs that preserve and promote the quality of life of AAPI older adults and their families, with a specific focus on elder justice, long-term supports and services, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and family caregiving.  These listening sessions will also serve to help WHIAAPI and NAPCA understand the key issues facing AAPI older adults and their families in the region.

Celebrate Older Americans Month with us, and join us at one of these listening sessions.  For more information, please contact Ty Ma’ae at tyrell@napca.org.