Aging Together Celebrates Older Americans Month 2026 Across Five-County Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ellen Phipps, Executive Director
ephipps@agingtogether.org
540-829-6405
PO Box 367
Culpeper, VA  22701

Aging Together Celebrates Older Americans Month 2026 Across Five-County Region

May is Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize the contributions of older adults and reaffirm our commitment to serving them. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this year’s theme is "Champion Your Health," focusing on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility.

According to the ACL, ‘this year’s theme focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health—advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence.”

“Championing your health looks different for everyone,” said Ellen Phipps, Executive Director of Aging Together. “For some older adults, it may mean training for a race or staying physically active, while for others it involves managing chronic conditions, attending regular appointments, or simply getting through the day safely and comfortably. No matter the situation, every older adult can take meaningful steps toward their own well-being—on their own terms.”

Aging Together supports the health journeys of older adults through resources and programs that promote wellness, reduce isolation, and improve access to care. These include the Regional Resource Guide for Older Adults, the monthly AgeWise bulletin, free in-person and virtual programs offered each month, the annual Art of Aging & Wellness Expos, and conferences focused on aging in community and dementia awareness.

“We are also driven by our mission to foster partnerships that create initiatives supporting health and well-being,” Phipps added. “Notable examples include our partnership with Rappahannock County’s Rural Health Initiative, which identifies barriers to healthcare access and explores solutions, and the Two’s Company Home Visitation program, managed by Encompass Community Supports, which works to reduce isolation.” Additionally, the two Villages in our region (member-driven nonprofit organizations designed to help older adults age in place), Rapp at Home and LOWLINC, offer many programs related to health awareness as well as opportunities to socialize and exercise. 

While this year’s OAM theme emphasizes self-care, Aging Together encourages all community members to play a role by reaching out to older neighbors, friends, and family members. Simple acts of connection—like a phone call, visit, or helping hand—can make a meaningful difference. Checking in during periods of extreme weather, helping ensure homes are safe and comfortable, or noticing when someone may need extra assistance are small but important ways we can all help older adults stay healthy and connected.

This Older Americans Month, Aging Together invites everyone to be part of the effort—taking care of our own health as older adults, as well as supporting the older adults in our life - because healthy aging starts with all of us. Together, we can build a community where every older adult is supported, valued, and empowered to age with health, dignity, and connection.

To learn more about resources for older adults, please visit www.agingtogether.org or call 540-829-6405.

The mission of Aging Together is, through partnerships, to connect people to communities and resources to improve quality of life we age. Aging Together serves the counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison and Rappahannock.
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