By Travis Fleak Burdick '15
These three simple words --connect, create and contribute--have become a catalyst for engagement and support for the positive impact that older adults have made, and continue to make, in our communities. Each and every day, older adults not only lead their own lives but help guide future generations. The experience, insight, and knowledge that older adults have enriches and strengthens neighborhoods, families, and communities.
Older Americans Month is an event developed by The Administration for Community Living that is celebrated during the month of May each year. This time is devoted to honoring the valuable contributions that older adults promote within the United States. The ideology of the event was first introduced in May of 1963 when President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens created Senior Citizens Month, the precursor for Older Americans Month. During this timeframe, many older Americans fell prey to poverty and programs designed to help older citizens had yet to be developed. It was the hope of policy makers that devoting the month of May to older Americans would generate interest and support for the well-being of older adults, bring awareness to the need for programs that would help older citizens maintain health as they aged, and encourage older adults to remain engaged in their communities. In line with the establishment of Older Americans Month, the quality of life has improved for older Americans living past their 65th birthday whose numbers have grown from 17 million in 1963 to more than 50 million in 2018.
Though there have been many themes for Older Americans Month throughout the years, the theme for Older Americans Month 2019 is “connect, create, contribute.” According to Lance Robertson, assistant secretary for aging at the Administration for Community Living, “The 2019 theme focuses on several key aspects that are important to the health and happiness of older adults and the communities that support them.” Through the “connect” portion of this year’s theme, older adults are encouraged to build connections with their family, friends, and community in order to promote support for independence and avoid isolation; through the “create” portion, older adults are inspired to engage in creative activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment; and through the “contribute” portion, older adults are recognized for the contributions of time, talent, and life experience that they bring to society. It is the belief of ACL that communities that connect, create, and contribute, are able to grow stronger over time.
With all of this in mind, below is a list of ways that you can celebrate Older Americans Month. Keep in mind that there is an infinite amount of ways to plan activities that engage older Americans. These are some that apply specifically to the Brazos Valley community.
CONNECT Have a sit-down meal with your family, friends, or loved ones. This is a great opportunity to experience fellowship and friendship with people who are close to you. Consider going to a local restaurant that has open concept dining areas or inviting family and friends over for a shared meal. Have a fun game night with other members of the community. Playing games is a great way to keep the mind sharp and to share experiences through conversation as the event plays out.
CREATE Creativity knows no age boundaries. Explore new ideas and technologies with dual opportunities for connecting and creating. The Lincoln Recreation Center in College Stations offers opportunities for older adults to better understand technological advancements and also offers education classes and game nights where creativity flourishes. Meet new people through service learning opportunities. The Brazos Valley Community Action Programs has opportunities for older adults to create projects that enhance interpersonal relationships while engaging in volunteer activities.
CONTRIBUTE Volunteering is always an excellent option to help your community grow! Whether it is with your local religious institution or with any sort of community organization, your contribution can help! In Brazos County, there are a variety of places to volunteer time, effort, and energy! Dr. Marcia Ory, founding director of the Center for Population Health and Aging stresses the important role older adults can play in our enter. She indicates, “For example, we train older adults to be lay leaders for a variety of chronic disease self-management or fall prevention classes. Giving back to the community is good for those getting the programs---as well as those volunteering in our research, service or educational activities.”
However you choose to celebrate Older Americans Month, there are many ways that you can support older Americans and help to promote the health and wellness of the aging population. Through the variety of annual events that promote bonding between families, neighbors, and community members, you have the power to recognize and encourage the contributions of older adults in America. Let us be thankful for all the older adults in our lives as they help to promote diversity and growth within our communities. If you have not thanked a senior today, take a moment to reach out because this will encourage older adults to remain engaged as well as promote the national conversation on healthy aging!
This commentary is brought to you by the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging. CPHA strives to bring together stakeholders and partners from the community, clinical, and corporate sectors to address the needs of older adults. CPHA’s mission is to keep Texans “Active for Life®…Everyone! Every age! Every day!” For more information about CPHA, visit their website: www.cpha.tamhsc.edu.
