Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen commitment to honoring older citizens.
This year’s theme, “Aging Unbound,” offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving their own paths as people age.
This May, the public is invited to join in the 60th anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging. Here are some ways to participate in Aging Unbound:
- Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy, and energy.
- Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities.
- Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs, and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.
- Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends, and community members.
The Wood County Committee on Aging will celebrate Older Americans month by highlighting an older adult from each of its eight senior centers showcasing many positive aspects of aging. WCCOA will honor these older adults at a concert on Monday, May 22, from 4 to 5 p.m., at the Wooster Green Gazebo 100 S. Church St., Bowling Green.
The concert will feature the band Bliss, a quintet of women who have stepped outside the box in the Northwest Ohio Music scene. This free concert is open to the community and is sponsored by St. Clare Commons. Bring your lawn chair to join the event.
The concert will move indoors if it rains to the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green. For more information about this event call 419-353-5661 or email programs@wccoa.net
For more information, visit the official OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
