Older Americans Month Helps Older Adults Connect, Create, Contribute

CAPCOG and its Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area want central Texas communities to join them during the month of May in recognizing that older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks and lives.

For 56 years, communities around the nation have recognized May as Older Americans Month and this year the Administration of Community Living, which spearheads the awareness campaign, encourages older adults and their communities to:

• Connect with friends, family, and local services and resources.
• Create through activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
• Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.

“All of these actions bring meaning of our lives,” said Patty Bordie, CAPCOG’s Area Agency on Aging director. “We all want purpose to our lives and these actions help older adults feel like they are still mastering something, still contributing, and that is better for their health and ours. If you are active, then you are healthy.”

CAPCOG offers many programs that provide older adults opportunities to create, connect and contribute such as its health and wellness programs, which bring people together to learn how maintain and manage their health by reducing falling risk or managing chronic illnesses.

Congregate meal programs and local municipal run senior centers also provide venues for older adults to connect, create and contribute though an active and engaging social environment.

During the month, CAPCOG will go beyond its normal programs and provide activities and share information designed to highlight local programs that promote increased connections for older adults through lifelong learning, health and wellness, volunteering and community engagement across generations.