Older Americans Month 2020: Make Your Mark
Administration for Community Living • May 27, 2020
Around the nation, older adults make their marks every day as volunteers, employees, employers, parents, grandparents, mentors, and advocates. They offer their time, talents, and experience to the benefit of our communities.
For 57 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been a special time to recognize these contributions. Led by the Administration for Community Living
(ACL) each May, OAM also provides resources to help older Americans stay healthy and independent, and materials to help communities support and celebrate their citizens.
This year’s OAM theme, Make Your Mark, highlights older adults’ unique and lasting contributions to their communities—everything from sharing a story with grandchildren to leaving a legacy of community action. In the spirit of this theme, here are a few ways to make your mark this May and all year long:
- Volunteer your time. Local schools, shelters, food kitchens, and hospitals always need support. Help a neighbor by prepping a meal, picking up groceries, or giving them a ride. Or, take time to pass on your knowledge. Why not tutor a student who could use extra help in math, music, or science?
- Share your story. There are so many ways to do this, from showing your grand kids around your old neighborhood to writing a book. Take a class and learn how to express yourself with the arts! Or, assemble a photo album of important moments in your life.
- Get involved in your neighborhood. Join a homeowner or resident association, organize a block party, or sign up for a book club or other social group. Have a green thumb? Small projects like planting flowers in your yard or cleaning up the community park have a big impact.
Communities that support and include all their members are stronger! Please join the East Texas Area Agency on Aging in strengthening East Texas!
USAging is celebrating 50 years as the national organization that represents Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American Aging Programs. As part of the 50th anniversary, USAging has launched a new public awareness campaign— Area Agencies on Aging: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong . The goal of this campaign is to make the public aware of AAAs as a vital community resource and to educate consumers about the range of important services that AAAs offer to older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. There are more than 600 AAAs serving every community across the country ready to help them to age well where most want—at home and in their community. All people hope to enjoy a long and healthy life—but many find that they need a little help as they go through the aging journey. “Research has shown that two-thirds of older adults will need some support to age well at home,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “But people often don’t know about AAA services or seek them out until they are in crisis—thereby missing the opportunity to connect to the range of services that are available to help them age well.” Services Provided by AAAs For Older Adults: Home-delivered and congregate meals: Nutritious meals at home or in group settings. In-home support: Assistance with daily tasks like bathing, cleaning and dressing. Transportation: Rides to medical appointments, stores and community activities. Health and wellness programs: Fall prevention, chronic disease management fitness classes. Benefits counseling: Help understanding and enrolling in Medicare, Medicaid and more. For Caregivers: Respite care: Short-term relief to prevent burnout. Training and support: Educational tools and support groups for caregivers. Information and referral : Guidance to local programs, services and community resources. “By 2035, older adults are expected to outnumber children under age 18 for the first time in the history of this country,” said Markwood. “By 2040, a full 22 percent of the American population will be 65 years or older. Currently, there are more than 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. There has never been a more crucial time for people to learn about AAAs and the services that are available to them to help them live long and stay strong.” For more information, visit www.usaging.org/livelongstaystrong or connect with your local AAA by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov .
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.
