Each May, communities across the country celebrate Older Americans Month, a national observance established in 1963 to honor the contributions, resilience and wisdom of older adults. This year’s theme – centered on inclusion, independence and the value of aging well – arrives at a moment when our nation is experiencing one of the most significant demographic shifts in its history. Adults over 65 are now the fastest growing age group in the United States and their needs, strengths and voices are shaping the future of health care.

For hospitals and health systems, Older Americans Month is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. As part of the commitment of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve care for older adults, hospitals nationwide are working to become Age-Friendly Health Systems – places where every older adult receives safe, evidence based, person-centered care every time.

What It Means to Be Age-Friendly

An Age-Friendly Health System follows the 4Ms Framework, a set of essential practices designed to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults:

• What Matters – Understanding and honoring each patient’s health goals, preferences and priorities.
• Medication – Ensuring medications are age appropriate, necessary and don’t cause harm.
• Mentation – Preventing, identifying and managing dementia, depression and delirium.
• Mobility – Supporting safe movement to maintain function and independence.

These four elements guide every interaction with older patients, from emergency care to inpatient stays to outpatient visits. CMS encourages hospitals to adopt the 4Ms as part of its broader strategy to improve quality, reduce avoidable complications and support aging with dignity.

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital’s Commitment to Older Adults

In recognition of Older Americans Month, our hospital reaffirms its commitment to becoming a fully Age-Friendly Health System. This work is not a single project or a temporary initiative. It is a culture shift – one that places older adults at the center of care and recognizes the unique strengths and challenges that come with aging.

Over the past five years the Community Resource Center for Aging (Resource Center) has joined these efforts, seeing that Foothill communities and beyond have access to available long-term services and support, focused on support, wellness and aging at home. Hospital providers collaborate to ensure that every older patient receives care aligned with what matters most to them. This includes:

• Asking patients about their goals for treatment and daily life
• Reviewing medications to reduce side effects and interactions
• Screening for memory changes, mood concerns and delirium risk
• Encouraging safe mobility to prevent decline

These efforts make the difference, as patients report feeling, families feel more supported, and staff feel more confident in providing high-quality care tailored to older adults.

Why This Work Matters Now

Older adults bring tremendous value to our community – through caregiving, volunteering, leadership and lived-experience. They may also face real challenges: managing chronic conditions, navigating complex health systems and recovering from illness or injury. Age-friendly care helps address these challenges by focusing on safety, independence and respect.

Research shows that hospitals using the 4Ms see fewer falls, fewer medication complications, shorter hospital stays and better patient satisfaction. These improvements benefit not only older adults but the entire health system.

Celebrating Older Adults All Month – and All Year

As we celebrate Older Americans Month, we invite community members to join us in recognizing the older adults who enrich our families, neighborhoods and workplaces. We also reaffirm our commitment to providing care that supports healthy aging, honors personal goals and strengthens quality of life. If there are issues you or your family are exploring, please feel welcome to call or email our Resource Specialists at (818) 949-4033 or email Aging-Resources@med.usc.edu. Becoming an Age-Friendly Health System is a journey we are proud to take alongside the older adults we serve. Their stories, strengths and aspirations inspire us every day.