Older Americans Month, a Celebration!

Welcome to “Older American’s Month”! The 2015 Older Americans month theme is “Get into the Act” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, declares May Older Americans Month. The theme also reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in 1965. Since that time, the act has provided a nationwide aging services network that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include home delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, community based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more. By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can “Get into the Act”. While The Dale Association provides social and supportive services for older adults year round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home and community based services they need to live independently. It’s also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in those communities. Throughout the month, The Dale Association will be conducting activities and proving tips on how to access programs and resources designed to maximize the independence of older adults in our community. When Older Americans Month was established, 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. Today, there are over 43 million Americans over 65 and interest in older Americans has increased along with opportunities to celebrate and support older Americans. To honor and celebrate older American’s locally, The Dale Association has scheduled activities throughout the month of May. Preplanning and Prefunding A Funeral – free informative presentation on preplanning and prefunding a funeral, presented by Amy Lange-Kenyon, NYS Licensed Funeral Director. Tuesday, May 12th at 1:00pm Understanding and Improving your Memory – In this fun and informative class, you will learn how the memory system works and how your lifestyle choices and age may affect memory. Friday, May 15th at 12:30 pm. Health & Resource Expo – all welcome for free health screenings, healthcare professions, baskets. May 19th from 10:00am – 2:00pm Images of Survival Art Show – Free multi – media art show featuring the combined talents of staff, program participants, and veterans. Wednesday, May 20th from 3:30 – 5:30pm Miscellaneous other and ongoing activities – other fun activities with the adult in mind include day trips, yoga, chair exercise, intergenerational programs, social sewing group, quilting group, kneedlers, candy makers, “Keenagers” group, classes, 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.