May is Older Americans Month

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan, 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on April 30, 2020 affirming May as Older Americans Month, saying “Older Americans are cherished and invaluable members of our society”.

According to a 2017 U.S. Department of Commerce survey, there are 9.2 million veterans aged 65 and older, and at Wright-Patterson, 12.6 percent of the workers are over 60, and the oldest employee is 89 years old.

The national theme for this year is “Make Your Mark.” There are many ways the older employee can stay an integral part of the work force. One base official advised that older employees should stay engaged and continue to share their corporate knowledge.  

As a new generation enters the workforce, there can sometimes be a void between book knowledge and experience.  The older employee is able to fill that void and educate those more junior in time or experience.

As we age, there may be some physical disabilities that can limit certain things like lifting, walking without the aid of a cane, walker or a wheelchair. That shouldn’t be a problem however, because there are ways to seek accommodations to help assist with those limitations. If need be, engage with your supervisor and request Reasonable Accommodations and/or self-identify, using the SF Form 256, Self-Identification of Disability.

Additionally, stay purposefully engaged, stay up-to-date on training, and lastly, be a mentor.