Every May, the United States celebrates Older Americans Month — and in 2026, the theme is “Champion Your Health.” This isn’t just an official designation. It’s a call to action for the over 54 million Americans aged 65 and older to step into the month with intention, take stock of their health, and make moves that matter. As a Senior Health Expert, I want to give you a practical, actionable guide to making Older Americans Month 2026 the month that genuinely changes your health trajectory.
Whether you’re 65 or 95, there are specific, high-impact health actions you can take this month that are proven to reduce disease risk, improve quality of life, and increase your independence. Here are 7 of the most powerful — and most overlooked — actions for seniors this May 2026.
Why Older Americans Month 2026 Matters More Than Ever
The 2026 theme “Champion Your Health” was chosen with purpose. According to the Administration for Community Living, which coordinates Older Americans Month, older adults are increasingly taking active ownership of their health — but significant gaps remain. Too many seniors skip preventive care, remain unaware of benefits they’ve earned, and face health challenges that are largely preventable with the right information and resources.
May is also when community senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), SHIP counselors, and local health departments roll out new programs and events. It’s one of the best times of year to engage with these resources and take advantage of the community energy focused on senior health.
7 “Champion Your Health” Actions for Seniors in Older Americans Month 2026
1. Schedule Your Free Medicare Annual Wellness Visit This Month
If you haven’t had your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) this year, schedule it this week. This free preventive visit — covered 100% by Original Medicare with no deductible or copay — is not a physical exam. It’s a personalized health review that includes a cognitive screening, depression screening, review of your medications and vaccinations, and creation of a personalized prevention plan. Doctors who conduct a thorough AWV catch issues that standard appointments miss. Bring a written list of all your symptoms, medications, and questions.
2. Check Your Medicare Savings Program Eligibility
If your monthly income is under $1,823 (individual) or $2,462 (couple) in 2026, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program that pays some or all of your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays at no cost to you. Millions of seniors who qualify haven’t applied. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org right now — it takes 5 minutes and could reveal thousands of dollars in annual benefits you’re currently missing.
3. Get a Hearing Test This Month
Untreated hearing loss is one of the single most powerful modifiable risk factors for dementia — and it also contributes to social isolation, depression, and fall risk. Yet fewer than 20% of seniors who need hearing aids wear them. Use Older Americans Month as your motivation to finally get a hearing evaluation. Many audiologists, Costco, and Sam’s Club hearing centers offer basic screenings free or at low cost. If you need hearing aids, check whether your Medicare Advantage plan covers them — 97% of plans include some hearing benefit in 2026.
4. Review and Simplify Your Medications
The average senior takes 4–5 prescription medications daily, and polypharmacy — the risk of dangerous drug interactions — rises sharply with each additional medication. Use May to schedule a dedicated medication review with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask for a complete medication reconciliation and specifically request a review against the Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medications in older adults. Ask plainly: “Is every medication I’m taking still necessary at its current dose?” You may be surprised by the answers.
5. Assess Your Home for Fall Hazards
Falls are the leading cause of injury death in adults 65 and older — yet research shows 70% of falls are preventable. Use Older Americans Month to take an honest inventory of your fall risk:
- Are there loose rugs, poor lighting, or clutter in your walkways?
- Do you experience balance issues or feel unsteady when you rise quickly?
- Are you taking medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness?
Ask your doctor about a Medicare-covered balance assessment and a physical therapy referral if needed. Programs like Tai Chi and A Matter of Balance have strong evidence for reducing fall risk by up to 47%. Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit includes a fall risk assessment — another reason to schedule it this month.
6. Connect with Your Local Area Agency on Aging
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network is one of the most underutilized resources for seniors in America. Every county has one, and they coordinate a wide range of services: home-delivered meals, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, legal services, and health education programs. During Older Americans Month, many AAAs host community events with free health screenings, benefit counseling, and social activities. Find yours at eldercare.acl.gov or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
7. Make One Meaningful Nutrition Change This Month
You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet in May. Research shows making one sustainable dietary improvement is more effective long-term than attempting a complete diet transformation. Pick one of these evidence-based changes:
- Add one serving of fatty fish per week (salmon, sardines, mackerel) for brain and heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids.
- Replace one refined grain per day with a whole grain to reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control.
- Add one cup of leafy greens daily — research shows one daily cup of leafy greens is associated with the cognitive function of someone 11 years younger.
- Drink one additional glass of water per day — chronic mild dehydration is extremely common in seniors and causes fatigue, confusion, and kidney stress.
Older Americans Month 2026 Community Events: How to Find Them
- Visit your local senior center and ask specifically about May 2026 programming
- Check your Area Agency on Aging website for local Older Americans Month events
- Visit acl.gov/OAM (the official Older Americans Month site) for national resources
- Contact your local public library — many host senior health fairs and benefit counseling sessions in May
A Message for Family Members and Caregivers
If you’re reading this as a family member or caregiver of an older adult, Older Americans Month is also your opportunity to take action on their behalf. Schedule their Annual Wellness Visit. Check their benefit eligibility. Walk with them. Review their medications together. The investment of a few hours this month could have consequences that last years.
And if you’re a caregiver who has been putting your own health on hold — Older Americans Month is a reminder that you matter too. Caregiver burnout is real and serious. Reach out to your local AAA for respite care resources, because the person you care for needs you to be healthy as well.
Sources: Administration for Community Living — Older Americans Month 2026 | Eldercare Locator — ACL.gov | National Council on Aging — Managing Your Health
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