Active Aging Week

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Activities Elderly
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.

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Expected Active Aging Week Deals

Active Aging Week, a cause-driven observance, focuses on wellness and community engagement rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) often partner with local senior centers, gyms, and community groups to offer free or discounted fitness classes, health screenings, and educational workshops. Look for special programs from health insurance providers such as AARP and UnitedHealthcare, promoting active lifestyles through their networks. Retailers specializing in mobility aids or adaptive sports equipment, like Allegro Medical or Performance Health, may offer awareness campaigns or product demonstrations. Local YMCAs and community recreation departments are key players, frequently hosting open houses and special events. We will update this page with confirmed live events and partnerships as the first week of October approaches.

Platform Guide for Active Aging Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ActiveAgingWeek. Share inspiring stories of active seniors and highlight community programs.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ActiveAgingWeek. Organize virtual discussions or share resources for healthy aging within your community group.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #ActiveAgingWeek. Share quick tips for staying active and retweet news from health organizations.

Active Aging Week Hero

Ethel Percy Andrus

Ethel Percy Andrus (1884-1967) was an American educator and activist who founded AARP in 1958. A former high school principal, she dedicated her later life to advocating for the rights and well-being of older Americans, championing active and purposeful aging. Her work laid the groundwork for many initiatives that promote healthy and engaged senior living today.

Active Aging Week timeline

2017

Over 3,000 hosts

More than 3,000 host organizations are registered to participate in Active Aging Week.

2003

First Active Aging Week

The ICAA launches the very first Active Aging Week.

2001

ICAA born

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) began its work.

1995

Aging & Health Program

The World Health Organization launched the Aging & Health Program with the goal of responding to the aging population.

1950

National Committee on Aging

The National Social Welfare Assembly organized the first National Committee on Aging

How Businesses Can Celebrate Active Aging Week

Local businesses can honor Active Aging Week by hosting events that promote wellness and engagement for older adults. Gyms and fitness studios could offer free trial classes or specialized senior fitness programs. Health food stores might feature discounts on nutritious items or host cooking demonstrations tailored for active seniors. Community centers can organize intergenerational activities, fostering connections and shared learning. Even local cafes could offer a ‘senior social hour’ with special deals, encouraging community building and active participation.

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.