Celebrating older adults and the communities of strength supporting them

By Deborah Royster – MAY 03, 2021

Over the past year, the words “community” and “strength” have taken on new meaning. Older adults, particularly those of color, have experienced physical, social, and financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic at a greater rate than the rest of the population. Many across the country were separated from family, friends, and their communities as they followed public health guidance to stay healthy. While video chatting, virtual faith services, e-mail, and social media helped maintain a sense of community, being physically apart required strength and may have been harder for older adults.

Resources for older adults

May is Older Americans month, and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is just two weeks later on June 15. This year’s Older Americans month theme is Communities of Strength . During the month of May, and through June 15, we’ll spotlight tools and resources that can help older adults achieve and maintain financial well-being. We’ll share resources for older adults, their families, and those who serve them during May and June on a variety of topics.

Financial caregiving – resources for those who help an older relative or friend manage their money.
Housing decisions– help for those considering a reverse mortgage as well as current reverse mortgage borrowers.
Planning for retirement– information on the factors that influence when to claim Social Security.
Online and mobile banking tips– a few tips to help older adults get started since bank and credit union hours may be limited.
Elder financial exploitation– resources to help older adults and their caregivers prevent, avoid, and report scams, fraud, and other forms of financial exploitation.

We’d like to thank the Administration on Community Living, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, for leading the efforts for Older Americans Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. We also thank aging service providers who work each day with and for older adults.

If you or older adults you know have experienced financial issues during the pandemic, tell us your story. And if you’re having a problem with a financial product or service, submit a complaint and we can help you connect with the provider.