Designating May to celebrate Older Americans Month began in 1963 and was originally called Senior Citizens Month. Americans were not living as long as they do currently and there were very few programs and supports to meet their needs.
Over the years it has evolved and May is now a month that we celebrate and acknowledge the huge contributions that senior citizens have made to our country in the past and at present. The White House issued a proclamation earlier this month that May is Older Americans Month.
The proclamation states that “older adults have comprised the majority of deaths from COVID-19, with more than 80% of all deaths to date occurring in persons 65 and older.” What a startling statistic.
Yet for this year, the theme is fittingly “Communities of Strength” as it alludes to building strong communities for older Americans who have survived and even thrived during this very tough past year of the pandemic. As we join together and support each other in recovery, it is important to remember the strength of working together as a community and collectively including older adults who have contributed much and continue to do so.
Older Americans play a significant role in supporting and connecting communities whether they are retirees, volunteers, donors, essential workers and first responders. In a myriad of ways they are and have contributed to the efforts of getting through and past this pandemic year.
To support Older Americans Month, there are several ways to be resourceful in continuing to build strong communities by engaging and connecting:
Share joy in any way, every day. Celebrate moments, both large and small, with your neighbors, friends, and members of your family - especially the seniors in your family.
Connect with your neighbors, particularly if you think they may be isolated and have no family nearby. Walking in your neighborhood and greeting your fellow older adults can make their day.
Build new skills. With all the time we have spent in our homes, this is the best time to explore and get into new activities, or rediscover hobbies and skills that may have been put aside.
Share your life story. Connect with others in a personal and meaningful way by sharing your story. You will be surprised how our lives are more alike than different.
We have all been through a year like no other fighting a new and deadly virus. Lessons learned, life changes, and new directions shared with each other can enrich our communities to be strong and resilient moving forward.
Written by: Gayle Uchida, Community Relations
Alice Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with helping hands and caring hearts.
