Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation’s observance of Older American’s Month. The 2021 theme, Communities of Strength, the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.
“Strength is built and demonstrated not only by bold acts, such as those we witnessed through the pandemic and following the winter storms and recovery efforts, but also by ongoing day-to-day interactions — a conversation shared with a friend, working in the garden, or mentoring a student,” said Patty Bordie, CAPCOG aging services director. “And when we share these activities with others—even virtually or by telling about the experience later—we help them build resilience, too.”
This year, within the continued protocols for safety and social engagement, the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area encourages individuals of all ages to share their strengths by:
Reaching out to neighbors — Even if you can’t get together in person right now, you can still connect with your neighbors. Leave a small gift on their doorstep, offer to help with outdoor chores, or deliver a home- cooked meal.
Building new skills — Try a socially distanced outdoor movement class to enjoy learning with others in your community. Set a goal for learning to use a new virtual platform for communication. Find an opportunity to share a skill you have.
Sharing their story — Hearing how others experience the world helps us grow. Interviewing family, friends, and neighbors can open new conversations and strengthen our connections.
Throughout the month AAACAP focused on a virtual campaign to identify opportunities for community engagement across the CAPCOG region. Everything from digital training programs, to volunteer engagement, to virtual education and recreation experiences, where individuals of all ages can help build stronger more resilient communities.
Read the CAPCOG May 2021 Older Americans Month proclamation.
Go to OAM website, or follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook for more information about ways you can celebrate Older Americans Month and thank the older adults in your lives.
