*Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The 2019 theme, Connect, Create, Contribute encourages older adults and their communities to:
- Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.
- Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
- Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.
A community is made up of individuals, their experiences, connections and shared mores. Equally, a community is only as strong and vibrant as individual members. When you make connections in your community, you are not only making the community stronger, you are helping yourself. Being engaged, especially in something you enjoy, helps to decrease isolation and loneliness which can in fact improve your own health. This is true at any age. Still, as an individual ages, they not only may find themselves with more free time, they may also have more experiences to share. Older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and lives. Everyone benefits when everyone can participate. We encourage you to connect, create, and contribute for stronger and more diverse communities this May, and throughout the year.
*excerpts taken from acl.gov
