LAKE COUNTY >> Older Americans are aging differently than their peers did in previous years. Today, more are spending larger amounts of time in their jobs, trying new activities, and engaging with their communities. And every May, Older Americans Month (OAM) aims to celebrate seniors and their contributions.
Starting with President John F. Kennedy in 1963, every U.S. President has issued a formal proclamation on or around the month of May encouraging the nation to honor maturing Americans in their communities in some way. Then in April of 1963, it was officially set by President Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens, that May was to as “Senior Citizens Month.” Later that same month, “Older Americans Month” was established.
From the Older Americans Month homepage, every May is “a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to [the United States], in particular, those who defended [the] country.” Every year, each OAM is celebrated through events, ceremonies and other activities with a specific theme.
This year’s theme, “Age Out Loud,” focuses on redefining what aging means — a definition, as told by today’s aging Americans, that accurately reflects what they have to say. The Administration for Community Living, which leads the nation’s celebration of OAM, chose “Age Out Loud” as a result of identifying important trends within elders.
“[Older Americans are] taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others,” the Administration for Community Living reported on their website. “What it means to age has changed, and OAM 2017 is a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.”
According to Kathy Johnson, Community Research Specialist of Senior Information & Assistance Program Community Care for Lake County, maturing Americans in the County strive to “live forward-looking lives,” which “‘Aging Out Loud’ can mean.”
“May is Older Americans Month, but Community Care’s Senior Information & Assistance Program is in a special position to hear the stories and issues of Lake County’s maturing adults year-round,” she added.
From Kelseyville to Clearlake Oaks, elders in the County have expressed living “forward-looking lives,” according to Johnson. For example, a Cobb resident bettered his nutrition by simply learning about a C4 Yourself online application, securing him $130 in monthly CalFresh assistance. Or the Clearlake couple, with multiple health challenges, who are now linked to North Coast Energy Services’ Weatherization program for a new heater, after spending a cold winter with an outdated heating system.
This Older Americans Month, Lake County’s elders are encouraged to “Age Out Loud.”
“One way for active elders in Lake and Mendocino Counties to ‘Age Out Loud’ is to volunteer with the local Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council or Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs,” Johnson said.
