You can always do more and double the fun when you partner with others to celebrate Older Americans Month.
Together the Qutekcak Native Tribe (QNT) and the Seward Senior Center created a fun day to remember older Americans on Friday with an indoor picnic, an old-fashioned photo booth, and ended the afternoon with a chance to win big bingo prizes, thanks to QNT. Older Alaskans from age 60 to 85 gather to entertain each other and continue the tradition of mentoring each other during the event.
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.
This May is the 60th anniversary of OAM. Join us in the challenge of changing the narrative on aging.
Here are some ways we can all participate in Aging Unbound:
Embrace the opportunity to change
Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
Explore the rewards of growing older
With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
Stay engaged in your community
Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
Form relationships
As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.
Join us next time at the senior center when you are looking for opportunities to celebrate life. It's what we do best!
Dana Paperman is the executive director of Seward Senior Citizens, Inc.
