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Americans 'Never Too Old to Play'
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May 22, 2012 |
By Bob Small
May 2012 is Older Americans Month, and this
year’s theme is “Never Too Old to Play.”
Every May since 1963, when President John F.
Kennedy designated May as “Senior Citizens
Month,” people in towns and cities across the
country have come together to celebrate the
enormous contributions of older Americans. In
1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the
designation to “Older Americans Month,” which
remains intact today. Older Americans Month is
our chance to show our appreciation and support
for aging adults as they continue to enrich and
strengthen our communities. The Area Agency on
Aging of North Idaho will be coordinating
several special events during the month
including a volunteer ombudsman appreciation
luncheon, “Teach-Back Method” workshop, family
caregiver respite and homemaker services mail
campaign; and a focus on the Aging Services for
North Idaho Endowment, which was established
last May to benefit Northern Idaho’s aging
population in perpetuity. For more info
regarding the Endowment, please contact Pearl
Bouchard or Bob Small @ (208) 667-3179.
The theme for Older Americans Month 2012……
“Never Too Old to Play” spotlights the fact that
older Americans are more active in community
life than ever before; thanks in part to
advances in health care, education, technology,
etc. that have greatly increased their vitality
and standard of living. Older adults are out and
about, giving back and making a difference in
their community.
As large numbers of baby boomers reach
retirement age, communities are increasing
efforts to provide meaningful opportunities and
activities for older adults; many of whom remain
physically and socially active through their
80’s and beyond. Current trends show that people
over the age of 60 account for an ever growing
percentage of participants in community service
positions, faith based organizations, online
social networking, as well as arts and
recreational groups.
Older Americans are not the only ones who
benefit from their engagement in community
involvement. Studies show their interactions
with family, friends, and neighbors across
generations enrich the lives of everyone
involved. Youth who have significant
relationships with a grandparent or elder report
that such relationships have helped to shape
their values, goals, and life choices, and given
them a sense of identity and stability.
Contact your Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho
to learn how you can help to support Northern
Idaho’s aging population during Older Americans
Month…. and throughout the year! Please visit
www.aaani.org for more information.
When you help seniors thrive in your community,
you gain far more than you give! |
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