Around 62 million adults aged 65 and older live in the U.S., as reported by Pew Research. This number is expected to increase to 84 million by 2054.
Older adults make up a significant part of the population, and their contributions enrich Cedar Rapids and other communities across the country. Older Americans Month was established to acknowledge and celebrate seniors. Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids focuses on honoring older adults during this month and throughout the year.
Learn more about Older Americans Month and how Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids puts these values into practice.
President John F. Kennedy designated the month of May as Senior Citizens Month, later renamed Older Americans Month, in 1963. The president had met with members of the National Council of Senior Citizens to discuss issues affecting seniors, such as the lack of programs to meet the needs of older Americans.
Today, Older Americans Month is a time for honoring older adults and the contributions that seniors make in our communities. It provides the opportunity to highlight age-related demographic trends and reaffirm a commitment to meeting the needs of older adults.
The theme for Older Americans Month in 2025 is "Flip the Script on Aging."
It invites everyone to challenge stereotypes about aging and work to counter misconceptions and bias. The goal is to transform how people perceive, talk about, and approach aging.
Unfortunately, this type of advocacy is still necessary. Older adults face discrimination in hiring and other areas of life. The month of May provides an opportunity to demonstrate the value older Americans bring to Cedar Rapids and other communities across the country.
One stereotype we challenge daily at Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids is that seniors can't maintain an active lifestyle.
On the contrary, physical activity can improve physical and mental well-being. It's also fun!
Our activity calendar features exercise classes tailored for seniors as well as games like noodle ball and chair soccer. The walking club takes an excursion every Sunday morning. For a more spontaneous experience, our residents can enjoy our gardens and other outdoor areas.
Cedar Rapids boasts more than 106 parks and trails that cover over 4,171 acres. Indian Creek Nature Center is a popular choice. It features pleasant walking trails with excellent opportunities to view local wildlife.
People can start to feel lonely and isolated as they age, but not at Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids. We prioritize senior engagement. Residents with similar interests can meet while doing some of our many activities.
The calendar has a variety of options, including:
Residents can develop an interest they already have or start learning a new activity.
Maintaining family connections is essential for aging well.
We host regular family and friends events, like our recent Easter lunch. We offer accommodations for overnight guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to being Older Americans Month, the month of May includes Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. These holidays honor the men and women who have served in the military, including many right here in Cedar Rapids.
The Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids community honors former servicemen and women year-round through our Veterans Program. We give half off one month's rent every year to new residents who are veterans.
We know that navigating veterans' benefits can be complicated. We partner with Patriot Angels to help you get all the services you're eligible for, including potential assistance with the costs of community living. If Patriot Angels help you qualify for additional benefits, we give you a one-time $1,000 discount off one month's rent.
Some people may think that having a pet is too demanding for an older adult or that assisted living communities prohibit animals. Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids welcomes your four-legged friends!
We understand the emotional and physical benefits that pet ownership brings.
Studies show that having a pet:
People with pets are usually more active. This is especially true for dog owners, but other types of pets also tend to inspire more physical activity.
You can continue to enjoy the companionship of your pet when you join our assisted living community.
Aging with dignity is an essential value at Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids. Our assisted living community gives residents the support they need to live as independently as possible.
Our caring staff offers personalized assistance with activities of daily living as needed, like bathing, dressing, and medication management. This gives our residents and their families peace of mind.
Amenities include weekly housekeeping and laundry services, so residents can focus on enjoying life. We provide apartment maintenance on request.
Residents can choose a chef-prepared meal three times a day in the dining room. We aim to provide a restaurant-quality experience featuring healthy, homestyle favorites.
Residents can choose to eat in their rooms as well. Our apartments feature kitchenettes for those who appreciate the option of preparing their own meals from time to time.
The onsite library, hair salon, and wellness center are available for community residents. Gardens and outdoor areas provide convenient access to fresh air and sunshine.
At Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids, we believe that honoring older adults means going beyond the basics. We strive to make our community a vibrant environment that promotes satisfaction and wellness.
Older Americans Month is an ideal time to express how much we appreciate the wisdom and experience of the seniors in Cedar Rapids. We especially appreciate our residents and everything they bring to our community.
You have several choices for senior living in Cedar Rapids, IA. Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids is a community you can feel good about. From activities and excursions to medication management and chef-prepared dining, residents can enjoy the engaging and supportive environment they deserve.
Schedule a tour of Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids today to experience the quality of life in our community. We look forward to welcoming you!