Care Connection for Aging Services will celebrate Older Americans Month in May in its 20 locations across West Central Missouri by emphasizing the theme “Age My Way.”
Older adults play vital, positive roles in their communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too are how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way.
Every May, Care Connection joins the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the celebration of Older American Month. This year’s theme focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose.
While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common items that Care Connection encourages senior adults to consider as they approach their later years:
- Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
- Engagement: Remain involved, and contribute to your community through work, volunteering, and/or civic participation opportunities.
- Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
- Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.
Care Connection encourages all individuals 60 and older and their caregivers to visit their local senior centers and enjoy lunch or an activity. In addition, visit the goaging.org website to see the many offerings of services and activities that the agency and its centers offer online and in person.
“This year’s ‘Age My Way’ theme is especially appropriate for us as nearly all of our centers are open to the public and seeing a revitalization in our lunchtime attendance as well as activities,” said Care Connection’s Public Information Officer Kaye Fair. “We have made many of our courses available on the online Zoom platform and accessible in our centers. We want to ensure that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible.”
Many of Care Connection’s programs and services – from Care Management to Wellness and Fitness Courses – are aimed at helping individuals with the planning, engaging, adapting, and connecting with others as they grow older.
As a nonprofit area agency on aging, Care Connection’s mission is to provide opportunities to create positive aging experiences.
