Ray Shares His Story for Older Americans Month

Area Agency on Aging • May 12, 2021

I belong to a Model A Club group nationwide of senior guys like myself, and we try to help each other and message each other about our Model A through a Vintage Ford Forum.

As a soon-to-be 76-year-old senior, I enjoy visiting with my granddaughters and following their sports activities and great accomplishments in school. I keep up with my granddaughters through their chosen careers and goals of which they have done well. To know that they are young Christian ladies gives me great joy. It is a joy visiting with my Mother-in-Law (MOM), who is almost 90-years-old and has taught me many life experiences and Christian values throughout the years. I enjoy connecting with my neighbors, sitting on the front porch in the porch swing with a cool beverage, and visiting daily life experiences. I recently introduced myself to a new senior neighborhood that just purchased the house next door. We visited across our common fence and spoke about our yard projects.


As to building new skills, I am still working as a Real Estate Broker and always learning by taking continuing education courses online in my field. I am a history buff and own a 1931 Model A, which is my hobby. I belong to a Model A Club group nationwide of senior guys like myself, and we try to help each other and message each other about our Model A through a Vintage Ford Forum. I learn something new from my club members every time I connect with them.


Being the oldest sibling of 10 children, I stay in touch with all my brothers and sisters. I keep up with their family, and for years, we had a family reunion that we honored our mother on her birthday. That was an experience that I looked forward to every year.


I find ways to share, connect, and engage through my church and enjoy being a member of our Chamber of Commerce. I recently sold a vacant building downtown which was owned by one church and purchased by another church. Bother churches got blessed as well as the seniors in the community. The purchaser renovated it and turned it into a coffee shop that supports coffee bean farmers in Honduras. I got blessed and got to meet up with some of the local seniors. I also celebrate by participating in different Chamber events throughout the year and meet other seniors in the community.

Ray Sullivent
Christian, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather

Working with our local seniors, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will celebrate Older Americans Month by encouraging East Texas seniors to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future. 

Share Your Story!

A woman is holding the hand of an elderly man while sitting in a chair.

USAging Announces New Public Awareness Campaign to Raise Visibility of Area Agencies on Aging

By USAging • June 25, 2025
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 .
A man and a woman are practicing yoga together in a park.

Area Agency on Aging to Host Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 2, 2025
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.
Show More