In 1976, May was designated as Older Americans Month by the Administration for Community Living. It was founded to celebrate the golden age of living and to reaffirm the belief that adults over the age of 55 play a major role in our lives and our communities.

Each year, Older Americans Month has a different theme. All of the themes promote holistic health and well-being in seniors through various personal and community-minded endeavors. This year, the theme for Older Americans Month is “Connect, Create, Contribute” and it is meant to encourage older adults and their communities to:

• Connect with friends, family, and community services that promote participation
• Create by engaging in activities that fuel personal enrichment and promote creativity
• Contribute time, talent, and life experiences that are unique to seniors

Older Americans Month: Ideas for Connecting, Creating and Contributing

Connecting. This encourages senior adults to focus on reaching out and networking with family and friends. One way that seniors can connect is through technology. By learning how to use the internet, a smartphone, video chatting or social media, seniors can strengthen relationships with grandchildren, meet new friends, and even start new hobbies. To help older adults feel comfortable connecting online, many local colleges, businesses, and senior centers offer free courses on how to access the Internet or use a smartphone.

Creating. Thisfocuses on seniors engaging in new, creative activities that promote ingenuity and overall well-being. Taking photographs of nature or wildlife during a morning stroll or enrolling in a painting class are just two of the many great ways that seniors can boost their creativity. Playing an instrument or participating in music therapy can also encourage creative thinking in the aging adult brain. Board games and puzzles can also boost creativity in a similar way. Grand Oaks of Palm City has regularly scheduled activities that help improve brain function and revitalize creativity in older adults, making Older Americans Month an ideal time to schedule a tour of our community and participate in some of our fun and creative activities!

Contributing. Thisencourages older adults to participate and share, whether it’s their time, talents, or charitable donations. Seniors play a vital role in the communities they live in, and they can contribute in many important ways. Volunteering at a local animal shelter, hosting a bake sale, organizing a beach cleanup, or speaking on a topic of interest at a public event are just a few examples of how older adults can contribute to their community and positively affect the area in which they live.

Whether you are 55 years of age or older, or you are a family member or friend of a senior adult, Older Americans Month is a great way to celebrate the unique gifts, talents, and experiences of our senior community members!

At Grand Oaks of Palm City, we regularly connect with and celebrate our residents, making every month Older Americans Month. To schedule a tour or for more information, visit www.grandoakspalmcity.com or call 772-324-5024.