Q: What is the theme of Older Americans Month this year?
A: Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection. This theme demonstrates the impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health. The value of being connected in our life helps to support independence and aging in place. It also prevents isolation and loneliness.
Isolation and loneliness in older adults can have a dramatic effect on one’s health both mentally and physically. Studies show it is more dangerous to your health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
This statistic and others like it are really shocking. It makes sense why the theme this year of Older Americans Month is focused on helping spread the message to older adults to create connections in order to foster healthy aging.
It is important to think about your feelings of connectedness and what you see in the people you care about. Think about ways you can grow relationships you have to be meaningful and supportive.
Start by being genuine and curious in your relationships. This may make you feel vulnerable, but it is an important step towards fostering true connections.
Really think about how you want to spend your time. Feeling connected and engaged is not just about filling the time, but about finding purpose, meaning and joy in what you do with your day. Look for groups to join that match your interests.
Get involved in things and find your passion! Again, it’s not about finding things to just fill the time, but about finding things that have meaning to you. Think about what is meaningful to you and what you care about.
Being connected is also about being connected to resources and services so that you have what you need as you age. It is about being connected to emotional support (including groups), as well as to volunteering and helping others.
There tends to be such a focus on independence that we often do not prioritize enough the value of connections, and inter-dependence. But, especially as we age, the value of inter-dependance and finding support from others grows. It is, in fact, what will allow us to maintain the life we want if we can only learn to reach out for support and help from others.
The theme of Older Americans Month this year leads to a very important message to spread about the value of connections on our health, our independence, and our life satisfaction. Help spread the word to those around you to see and prioritize relationships and connections in our day to day lives.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
