Monday, May 13, 2013

Older Americans Month

Welcome to Older Americans Month – a proud tradition that shows commitment to honoring the value that elders contribute to our community.  Every year since 1963, May has been a month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions to our communities. The theme for Older Americans Month 2013, Unleash the Power of Age, has never been more fitting. Older Americans are productive, active, and influential members of society, sharing essential talents, wisdom, and life experience with their families, friends, and neighbors.
Our nation is in the midst of a boom in the aging population.  Older people are living longer and staying healthier and more active much later in life. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."
Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition. Historically, “Older Americans Month” has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pays tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. “Older American’s Month” is celebrated all across the nation as well as locally. President Obama has also proclaimed May “Older Americans Month”.
To honor and celebrate older American’s locally, The Dale Association has scheduled some activities throughout the month of May. 
            Eat Smart – Health and wellness seminar – 6 Wednesdays starting May 15, 2013 from 1:00 – 2:00pm. Classes are friendly and interactive.
May 16, 2012 at 10:30am – Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. A wonderful opportunity to thank volunteers for all they do.  The work at The Dale Association would not be possible without all the efforts of our wonderful volunteers.
May 17, 2013 at 10:15am - Osteoporosis – The Silent Disease .  Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin, weak and break easily. It is called the silent disease because you cannot feel or see your bones become weaker.
May 22, 2013 at 11:00 am – Decision Making Day, sponsored by Elder Law section of New York State Bar Association. Free presentation explaining legal procedures and documents to help people make informed health care and financial decisions.  Also, a “legal checklist” with an overview of legal documents every New Yorker should be aware of.
            Miscellaneous other and ongoing activities – other fun activities with the adult in mind include trips, yoga, chair exercise, intergenerational programs, social sewing group, quilting group, candy makers, “Keenagers” group, Timely Topics discussion group, cards, volunteer opportunities and more.
Older Americans Month was established to show appreciation and support for seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen the communities in which they live – I hope you will join us sometime during the month of May.

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