Month’s theme stresses ‘Make Your Mark’

May has been proclaimed as May as Older Americans Month. While some older adults may be challenged with some physical disabilities that can limit certain things like lifting or walking, they are still an integral part of Air Force manpower. (Metro News Service photo)

May has been proclaimed as May as Older Americans Month. While some older adults may be challenged with some physical disabilities that can limit certain things like lifting or walking, they are still an integral part of Air Force manpower. (Metro News Service photo)

President Donald Trump stated that “Older Americans are cherished and invaluable members of our society” in a proclamation that he signed affirming May as Older Americans Month on April 30.

The theme for this year is “Make Your Mark.”

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

While some older adults may be challenged with some physical disabilities that can limit certain things like lifting or walking, they are still an integral part of Air Force manpower. Their disabilities may require them to use a cane, walker, wheelchair or various other difficulties not easily seen.

The Air Force continues to strive to provide proper accommodations for individuals of any disability since there is much to gain from integrating peoples from all walks of life, including those who have years of knowledge in their field.

It is highly recommended that older adults stay purposefully engaged and up to date on training as well as consider being a mentor to the new generations of the workforce.

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