Area Agency on Aging Celebrates Older Americans Month May 2021: Communities of Strength
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 28, 2021
Each May, the Administration for Community Living
leads the nationwide celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year's theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the vital role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.
Working with our local seniors, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will celebrate OAM by encouraging East Texas seniors to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future.
Here are some ways to share and connect:
- Look for joy in every day: Celebrate small moments and ordinary pleasures by taking time to recognize them. Start a gratitude journal and share it with others via social media or call a friend or family member to share a happy moment or to say thank you.
- Reach out to neighbors: Even if you can't get together in person right now, you can still connect with your neighbors. Leave a small gift on their doorstep, offer to help with outdoor chores, or deliver a homecooked meal.
- Build new skills: Learning something new allows us to practice overcoming challenges. Take an art course online or try a socially distanced outdoor movement class to enjoy learning with others in your community. Have a skill to share? Find an opportunity to teach someone, even casually.
- Share your story: There's a reason storytelling is a time-honored activity. Hearing how others experience the world helps us grow. Interviewing family, friends, and neighbors can open up new conversations and strengthen our connections.
"When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences—through action, story, or service—we help build strong communities. And that's something to celebrate!" said AAA Director Bettye Mitchell. "Please join the AAA in strengthening our community – get moving, walk, stretch, or exercise with consultation with your doctor. Inspire. Encourage. Renew. Restore. Find ways to share, connect, and engage."
Throughout the month, the AAA will conduct activities and share information designed to highlight local programs and services available to help strengthen our senior community. We encourage seniors to get involved by attending one of our virtual health and wellness classes. These 1-2 hour workshops offer proven practices to aid in diabetes management, chronic disease management, fall prevention, and more. Register at www.easttexasaaa.org/health-and-wellness.
The AAA is also working in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to provide opioid misuse and prevention services for older adults. These services include awareness of medication management, storage, safe disposal, and intervention health and wellness classes.
Follow the AAA on social media, where we will share the story of several inspiring local seniors this month and information about benefits counseling services and avoiding scams. For more information, follow us on social media
or call 1-800-442-8845.
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations nationwide in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). This month-long observance honors the contributions of seniors in our communities. To mark the occasion, AAA will host and collaborate with local organizations for four special celebration events across East Texas, held at senior centers and community hubs. These events will highlight the importance of connection and the role strong relationships play in maintaining a vibrant, healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges outdated perceptions and encourages a fresh perspective on aging. It promotes a shift in how society talks about, understands, and supports older adults, empowering communities to embrace aging in a more positive and inclusive way. Join Us for These Community Celebrations! The following OAM events are open to the public and will feature food, entertainment, door prizes, and valuable information about services available to East Texas seniors: 📅 May 7 – Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📅 May 15 – First United Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 📅 May 16 – Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 📅 May 21 – Harrison County Agrilife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM The AAA advocates for seniors and provides essential services, including benefits counseling, case management, health education, nutrition programs, referrals, and Ombudsman support for those in assisted living. These services promote independence and dignity, helping seniors remain in their communities. For event inquiries, call (903) 218-6500.
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