- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- ActivitiesElderly
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- First week in October
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧘♀️
Active Aging Week encourages adults over 50 to embrace wellness and vitality every first week of October. This observance, initiated by the International Council on Active Aging, celebrates the positive aspects of growing older. Discover local events, join fitness classes, and engage in community activities to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Want to sponsor Active Aging Week? Learn how
Active Aging Week timeline
More than 3,000 host organizations are registered to participate in Active Aging Week.
The ICAA launches the very first Active Aging Week.
The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) began its work.
The World Health Organization launched the Aging & Health Program with the goal of responding to the aging population.
The National Social Welfare Assembly organized the first National Committee on Aging
Active Aging Week FAQs
When is Active Aging Week?
In 2026, Active Aging Week runs from Tuesday, October 6, through Monday, October 12. This week-long observance encourages older adults to embrace physical activity and community involvement.
What is active aging?
Active aging is a concept that emphasizes optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age. It recognizes that older people can remain active contributors to society.
How many people are considered 'active agers'?
While a precise number of ‘active agers’ is hard to quantify, millions of adults globally are embracing active lifestyles. In the U.S., over 56 million people are aged 65 and older, a significant portion of whom actively seek wellness and engagement.
Why is Active Aging Week important?
Active Aging Week is important because it challenges stereotypes about aging and promotes a positive view of growing older. It highlights the benefits of physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connection for seniors.
How to Observe Active Aging Week
Host an event
You can sign up to become a host for an Active Aging Week event. By becoming a registered host, you can help spread the word throughout your community.
Share a personal story
Have you or someone you know benefited from becoming actively involved in wellness initiatives that pertain to aging? If so, consider sharing your story. Others are sure to benefit from learning about the successes or failures that make up so many different wellness journeys.
Talk about Active Aging Week on social media
Social media platforms are an excellent way to bring awareness to important initiatives. By discussing Active Aging Week on social media, you might just encourage someone to get out and start pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
5 Things You Need To Know About Aging
More women than men
About 57% of older adults in the U.S. are women.
We lose bones
We usually have 350 different bones at birth, but as we ease into adulthood bones fuse together. Ultimately, we end up with only 206 bones.
Now that's a long life
The oldest human recorded in history, Jeanne Louise Calment, was born in France and lived to be 122 years old.
Is staying active the Fountain of Youth?
Research has found that staying active can slow down the aging process.
No sweat
Some studies have shown that we sweat less as we age.
Why Active Aging Week is Important
Active Aging Week encourages older adults to get moving
For some older adults who reside in assisted living communities. or have mobility issues, just getting out and about can present quite a challenge. Active Aging Week highlights all of the different ways that someone can participate in simple exercise. There truly is something for everyone.
Active Aging Week creates a sense of community
We're much more likely to accomplish our goals if we have other people helping to keep us accountable. Active Aging Week helps bring communities of adults together to work towards a common wellness cause. Some groups have even taken on yearlong walking initiatives!
International coverage
Australia, India, Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. all participate in Active Aging Week. It's inspiring to think about such a large collection of people working towards the shared goal of active aging.
Active Aging Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 6–12 | Monday–Sunday |
