Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our country in the observance of Older Americans Month. This year, Older Americans Month is focused on aging in place. In other words, how older Americans can stay in their homes and live independently for as long as possible. The theme for this year is “Age My Way,” and it’s an opportunity for all of us to explore ways that older adults can stay in their communities and be involved.
To connect with your community — no matter your age — here are some ideas to get involved:
- Reach out to neighbors: Make an effort to be a friendly neighbor by welcoming new neighbors to the neighborhood, inviting them over for coffee or dinner, and organizing a neighborhood block party to foster a strong sense of community.
- Attend classes at the local community center: Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano or take your love of art to the next level, attending classes at your local community center or college is an excellent way to meet new people.
- Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to give back while making new friends. You can find a volunteering gig that aligns with your hobbies and passions, whether cuddling newborn babies, visiting people in the hospital, or teaching. There are a ton of volunteer opportunities out there! Your local hospice and/or palliative care facility is another excellent place to volunteer. From administrative tasks to running errands for patients, everyone has a job!
If you’d like to celebrate Older Americans Month, you can check out the ACL’s 2022 logos, posters, templates, social media graphics, and activity ideas. You can also keep up with the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth on social media for the latest from ACL.
If you’re an older American or have a loved one who is concerned about aging in place, hospice and palliative care can help. Both programs aim to improve the quality of life while overseeing physical, mental, and spiritual care. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more.