National Health Observances

Healthy aging is a lifelong process shaped by individual choices, opportunities, and the environments where people live. By challenging assumptions about growing older and recognizing the strengths and contributions people bring at every stage of life, we can support health, connection, participation, and well-being—and help create environments and communities where everyone has opportunities to thrive.

Celebrated each October, Health Literacy Month is the perfect time to take action to advance health literacy in your organization and in your community. Healthy People 2030 identifies health literacy as a social determinant of health, or a key non-medical factor that affects health, well-being, and quality of life. That’s why every health professional and organization has a responsibility to improve health literacy.

September is Healthy Aging Month — an excellent time to reflect on how we can support people of all ages develop and maintain healthy habits throughout the lifespan. While it’s often associated with older adults, aging is a gradual, lifelong process. Practicing healthy behaviors at every stage of life can improve our chances of staying healthy as we get older.