Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2022 theme is Age My Way, an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.
While ‘Age My Way’ will look different for each person, here are common things for all to consider (and to remind ourselves, our patients and our loved ones):
Think: Remember 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, volunteer, 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.
Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone. Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no ‘right’ way.
For more information, visit the OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
Our Great Plains QIN team is working within communities to increase opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who we are, our age, where we live, or how much money we make. Explore the resources and trainings offered on our Web site; choose and share resources which best fit your needs.