Older Americans Month 2026 in Fulton County: Celebrating Health, Purpose, and Community

Every May, communities across the country pause to recognize something easy to overlook in the rush of daily life: older adults are not just people who need care. They are contributors, creators, mentors, and neighbors who make every community stronger. That recognition is the heart of Older Americans Month — and here in Fulton County, Georgia, it’s celebrated with intention.

This year’s national theme, “Champion Your Health,” sets a clear priority: that healthy aging is active, not passive. It means moving your body, nourishing your mind, staying connected, and knowing the resources available to you. Fulton County Senior Services has embraced that message fully, building a month-long calendar of events spanning health screenings, arts showcases, fitness days, and community gatherings at facilities across the county.

Whether you’re an older adult looking to participate, a family caregiver researching what’s available in your community, or a referral professional staying current on local senior resources.

Here’s your guide to Older Americans Month 2026 in Fulton County:

 

What Is Older Americans Month?

Older Americans Month has been observed every May since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy designated the occasion to recognize the contributions of older adults to American society. Today it’s led nationally by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The observance serves a purpose beyond celebration. It actively pushes back against a cultural tendency to define aging by decline, dependency, and limitation. Older Americans Month reframes that narrative: aging is also continued purpose, social connection, creative expression, and meaningful contribution to family and community.

For families in Metro Atlanta navigating the realities of aging — changing health needs, questions about independence, the weight of caregiver responsibilities — this month is a useful reminder that quality of life at any age depends not just on medical care, but on engagement, belonging, and dignity.

 

Fulton County’s Commitment to Older Adults

Fulton County formally honors the month each year with a proclamation presented by the Board of Commissioners, declaring May as Older Americans Month in Fulton County. In 2026, that presentation takes place on Wednesday, May 6 at the Fulton County Government Center’s Assembly Hall (141 Pryor Street), streamed live on YouTube for those who can’t attend in person.

But the proclamation is just the formal starting point. Fulton County Senior Services organizes dozens of community events across its network of senior multipurpose facilities — from Sandy Springs to College Park, Palmetto to Milton — reflecting the county’s geographic and demographic diversity. The events are designed to be accessible, free or low-cost, and genuinely engaging: not perfunctory checkbox programming, but activities older adults actually want to attend.

For more information or to check for any event updates, please check out the Fulton County Senior Services website HERE.

 

2026 Event Highlights by Category

The full calendar runs from May 1 through May 29 and includes more than 30 scheduled events. Here are the highlights organized by theme:

 

Health Screenings & Wellness Education

The 2026 theme “Champion Your Health” is reflected most directly in a series of health-focused events launching the month:

• Older Americans Month Health Fair – Friday, May 1 | Harriett G. Darnell Senior MP Facility, 677 Fairburn Road NW, Atlanta: Free screenings include blood pressure, glucose, oxygen saturation, lipid and renal panels, presented in partnership with Winguard Family Wellness. Additional healthcare providers will offer informational sessions.
• New Beginnings OAM Health Fair – Friday, May 15 | 66 Brooks Drive, Fairburn: Free senior health screenings serving the southwest Fulton County community.
• New Horizon Health Fair – Friday, May 22 | 745 Orr Street NW, Atlanta: Hosted in partnership with the Atlanta Police Institute, featuring health vendors, free screenings, nutrition tips, and wellness education.
• Heart Health Nutrition Class – Monday, May 18 | Dorothy C. Benson Senior MP Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs: A timely educational session focused on managing hypertension and cholesterol through diet — a practical tool given that heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.
• OAM Wellness Day – Friday, May 15 | 5285 Lakeside Drive, Union City: A senior wellness day serving the Union City area.
• UTI & Sepsis Safety Presentation – Monday, May 11 | 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs: “Think Fast, Act Early” — a session covering the dangers of UTI and sepsis and the importance of early action, presented by Sandy Springs Fire Department.
• Healthy Cooking Demonstrations – Wednesday, May 27 | 1650 New Town Circle SE, Atlanta: Hands-on cooking education at the Southeast Senior Center.

 

Fitness, Movement & Games

• Walk for Wellness – Wednesday, May 13 | Harriett G. Darnell Senior MP Facility: Participants walk either a half-mile or full mile around the facility perimeter in celebration of Older Americans Month. Tokens and breakfast provided for all walkers.
• Health and Fitness Day – Friday, May 15 | HJC Bowden Senior MP Facility, 2885 Church Street, East Point: Includes a swim meet and dance workshop alongside fitness education and healthy living presentations.
• Field Day Games – Thursday, May 14 | Helene S. Mills Senior MP Facility, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave SE, Atlanta: Cornhole, Giant Golf/Dart, Wii Bowling, Bid Whiz, Spades, Uno, and more. Outdoor and indoor options available throughout the day.
• Billiards Tournament – Tuesday–Wednesday, May 19–20 | Helene S. Mills Senior MP Facility: A two-day friendly competition among Mills participants, with trophies awarded to first and second place.
• Trivia Challenge – Friday, May 29 | 15690 Hopewell Road, Milton: An exciting team trivia event to close out the month in Milton.

 

Arts, Culture & Creative Expression

One of the most compelling parts of Fulton County’s OAM programming is its genuine investment in older adults as artists and creators — not just audience members.

• “Boundless!” Darnell Artist Walk – Tuesday–Wednesday, May 26–27 | Harriett G. Darnell Senior MP Facility: A two-day exhibition (9:00 AM–4:30 PM) showcasing works by Darnell participants across jewelry making, hand-built pottery, acrylics, drawing, crocheting, quilting, paper crafts, and more. A genuine community art show.
• Evening of the Arts – Friday, May 22 | Helene S. Mills Senior MP Facility: A public evening art show featuring works created by Mills participants, with music, food, and fellowship. Open to the community.
• Evening of the Arts – Thursday, May 28 | Dorothy C. Benson Senior MP Complex: Sculpture, painting, jewelry, textiles, and music on display in the Multipurpose Dining Hall.
• Bloom and Brush – Tuesday, May 12 | Harriett G. Darnell Senior MP Facility: A pot painting workshop sponsored by Fulton County Dept. of Public Works. Participants paint flowerpots, plant seeds, and learn gardening tips. All supplies provided.
• Older American Spring Fashion Show Extravaganza – Friday, May 22 | 215 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta (Bethlehem): Seniors showcase their personal style and creativity on the runway.

 

Social Gatherings & Celebrations

Connection is as important to healthy aging as physical fitness. The month’s social calendar offers something for everyone:

• Mother’s Day Celebrations – Friday, May 8 | Multiple locations: Darnell hosts “Queens and Their Chapeaux’s,” a hat-themed brunch and tea with a mini fashion show ($3.27/person). Mills hosts “The Dirty Tea” — a glamorous afternoon with spring dresses, vintage gloves, and tea sandwiches. Bowden honors all mothers with DJ Sabir, gifts, and roses presented by The Men of Bowden. Palmetto hosts a Mother’s Day Tea.
• OAM Luau Dance Party – Wednesday, May 6 | 1953 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, Atlanta (Dogwood): Dancing and games to kick off Older Americans Month week.
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration – Tuesday, May 5 | Dorothy C. Benson Senior MP Complex: Festive music, entertainment, and food honoring cultural heritage and the contributions of older adults.
• Masquerade Sneaker Ball – Friday, May 22 | HJC Bowden Senior MP Facility: A uniquely fun event blending the elegance of a masquerade ball with the personality of sneaker culture.
• 50s BBQ Fun – Thursday, May 21 | Camp Truitt, 4320 Herschel Road, College Park: Seniors dress in 50s attire and enjoy grilled food in a festive throwback setting.
• Bingo with Zumba – Wednesday, May 13 | Auburn Senior Center, 300 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta: A fun combination of movement and games in celebration of Older Americans Month.
• Adult Day Health “Price Is Right” – Tuesday, May 5 | Emma Darnell Aviation and Conference Center, 3900 Aviation Cir NW: Participants from Benson, Bowden, Darnell, and Mills come together for a nostalgic game show format designed to enhance memory and brain health.

 

Resources, Education & Advocacy

• Senior Resource Fair – Friday, May 15 | Helene S. Mills Senior MP Facility: In partnership with Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA), this one-stop-shop connects older adults with local organizations and community resources.
• Senior Provisions: A Life For Seniors (Hybrid) – Wednesday, May 6 | Dorothy C. Benson Senior MP Complex (also on Zoom): A workshop helping seniors find resources, explore downsizing, connect with home health assistance, and nurture a sense of purpose.
• Advocating for Yourself Seminar – Wednesday, May 27 | HJC Bowden Senior MP Facility: An especially timely session helping seniors understand their rights as citizens and Georgia residents so they can protect themselves with knowledge.
• Bingo Tour with R.E.A.A.C.T. – Wednesday, May 27 | Dorothy C. Benson Senior MP Complex: Presented by the Clerk of Superior & Magistrate Courts, this event brings legal information, resources, prizes, and fun to the Benson Center.
• Missing Man Table Ceremony – Wednesday, May 27 | Crabapple Senior Center, 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta: A meaningful Memorial Day ceremony honoring military history and remembrance.

 

Spirit Week: May 11–15 at Benson

The Dorothy C. Benson Senior MP Complex in Sandy Springs is taking a full week to celebrate. Spirit Week (May 11–15) features themed daily activities designed to boost energy, build unity, and encourage participation among members and staff. Alongside Spirit Week programming, Benson is hosting a Heart Health Nutrition class on the 18th, a birthday celebration on the 21st, and their Evening of the Arts on the 28th — making it one of the most programmatically active facilities in the county this May.

 

How CaraVita Home Care Supports This Vision Year-Round

Older Americans Month lasts 31 days. But the needs and the strengths of older adults don’t follow a calendar.

At CaraVita Home Care, we’ve been walking alongside older adults and their families in Metro Atlanta since 1998. The values at the heart of this month–championing health, preserving independence, maintaining connection—are the same values that shape how we approach every care relationship we build.

Our connection to Fulton County’s senior community runs deeper than the services we provide. CaraVita founder Beth Cayce serves on the Fulton County Commission on Elder Affairs, the advisory body that helps shape county policy and programming for older adults, including the Senior Services initiatives celebrated during Older Americans Month. It’s a role that reflects something CaraVita has always believed: that genuinely serving older adults means being present in the community, not just in the home.

“I founded CaraVita because I believed older adults deserved better: more professional care, more dignity, more genuine support. Serving on the Fulton County Commission on Elder Affairs is an extension of that same belief. It’s how we make sure the community infrastructure around aging is as strong as the care happening inside people’s homes.” — Beth Cayce, Founder, CaraVita Home Care

 

A Final Note for Families

If you have an older parent, spouse, or family member in Metro Atlanta, May is a good moment to look up what’s available near them. Many of the events on this calendar are free and open to participants across the Fulton County Senior Services network. For older adults who are socially isolated, attending even one event—a health fair, a dance party, an art walk—can meaningfully shift their experience of aging.

And if you’re seeing signs that your loved one needs more support at home, we’d welcome a conversation.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Roswell, GA, please contact the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712