Older Americans Month — originally called Senior Citizens Month — was started in 1963 to honor senior citizens and raise awareness of the problems facing them.
Since then, the number of Americans 65 years and older has tripled to some 50 million.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, reminds us that life offers a wide range of opportunities and experiences as we age. Here are some ways you can unbind yourself from the stereotypical narrative on aging:
• 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, re-kindle or maintain 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 others..
To celebrate Older Americans Month, the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging is hosting Wellness in the Park from 1-4 p.m. May 18 at Plum Shelter in Sedgwick County Park. The event will feature biometric screening services, a registered dietitian to answer nutrition questions, vaccine information, art, music and physical activities along with vendors and organizations.
CPAAA is also hosting the Aging is Living Podcast where community members will share their personal stories and tips for embracing change and finding rewards in growing older. And CPAAA will present its annual Irene Hart award during the agency’s Aging Advisory Council meeting May 17, honoring a person who has positively impacted the lives of older adults in Buter, Harvey and/or Sedgwick County.
For more information on these events, check out CPAAA’s Facebook page, visit www.cpaaa.org or call 855-200-2372.
Monica Cissell is director of information and community services for the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging.
