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. There is no “right” way to age, that’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) is Age My Way.
OAM is an annual event dating back to 1963, when President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month. It was later named Older Americans Month, honoring older Americans and celebrating their contributions to our communities and our nation. Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the celebration of OAM. 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 things everyone can consider:
- Plan: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
- Engage: 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.
- Connect: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat 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. This year, we are excited to celebrate OAM with our partners in the aging community. Please join the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County in strengthening our community by participating:
Make a Difference. Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Join advocates from around the state to help educate state legislators about issues affecting older adults and caregivers in Wisconsin! No experience is necessary; online training is provided prior to making calls to your state lawmakers or staff.
Aging Advocacy Day
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
1 – 2:30 p.m. Advocacy Training
2:30 – 4 p.m. Make calls to state legislators
Get Involved with our “Express Yourself” Campaign!
Did you “age your way” growing up? Maybe you didn’t want to wear your Sunday best to school, or maybe now you’re curious what tattoos and a purple mohawk would look like on you. Here is your chance to live your wildest imagination without making the commitment in real life!
Take Action. Make a Connection.
What have you needed help with around the home? Do you keep putting things off because you know it will take a lot of your energy and the grandkids are coming over in a few days so you want to be able to play with them? Is there an appointment you want to get scheduled but finding someone to bring you has been a barrier? Have you noticed a neighbor struggling to bring in their groceries or their garbage bins? Whatever thought popped in to your head while reading those, act on it.
- Call us to find some options to meet your needs, including transportation, in-home care, and caregiver support.
- Reach out to your neighbors. Help them with larger items, and while you’re at it, share our phone number with them. We can talk through options like home delivered meals, helping with some household tasks, and more!
Plan for the Future.
Complete, or revisit, your advance directives and make sure it still aligns with your wants and needs. Looking for a class designed just for this? Join us virtually for our Advance Directives for Healthcare and Beyond class held on Thursday, May 19, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Make that connection, contact us to learn more!
Visit us online: adrcofbrowncounty.org
Call or Email us: (920) 448-4300 or bc.adrc@browncountywi.gov
For more information, visit the official OAM website (acl.gov/oam), follow ACLGOV on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
