Every May, senior centers and organizations that work with the elderly celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM), which is led nationally by the Administration for Community Living. The theme for 2024 OAM is “Powered by Connection,” to encourage and highlight the impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being, especially for senior adults.
As a Senior Center director, I believe we should honor and celebrate our seniors every month, not just in May. But no one in Washington asked me!
Developing relationships and maintaining those connections plays a vital role in fighting social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to other health issues, as we age. That’s why it’s so important to have programs that help seniors stay connected.
Audubon Area Community Services (AACS) has its Senior Companion Program, which partners senior volunteers with homebound elderly folks to assist them, while encouraging their independence and keeping them at home. AACS offers this program in Daviess, Hancock, Ohio, McLean, Henderson, Webster and Union counties. Contact AACS at (270) 683-1907 for more information.
Our “golden years” provide an exciting time to explore new interests without the burden of a 9-5 work schedule, meet new friends in different settings and enhance our mental and physical health through developing a new fulfilling lifestyle and staying connected.
Some of the most popular hobbies for seniors, which could also be described as the “Best Of” activities for seniors include gardening, reading, arts and crafts, volunteering, dancing, and bird watching, listening to music and travel.
Within our communities, there are a variety of places to participate in many of these events, such as at public libraries, senior centers/facilities, churches/faith centers, community services organizations and nonprofits, many of whom are always looking for volunteers.
Volunteering is a “win-win” scenario for all parties as it provides additional help for the organization and a sense of fulfillment and social connection for the volunteer.
As the director of a local non-profit organization, I’m a big fan of volunteers, retirees who are wanting to give back. The value of volunteers is simply invaluable as it allows us to provide additional services, events and activities that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to offer. Smaller nonprofits need volunteers just to keep the doors open.
Travel is another way to meet new friends and be active and increase social connections for seniors. Local senior centers sponsor day and multi-day trips, as do local travel agents. Owensboro Health’s Healthpark offers Connections (formerly called Golden Partners) and hosts many trips throughout the year, for members and non-members alike. Go to owensborohealth.org/travelwithconnections.
Each county in the seven-county Green River Area Development District (GRADD) has a senior center for its’ residents, with many counties offering satellite sites for folks who can’t get to the focal point. There are multiple congregate meal sites in each county, which is a great connection point for seniors. Not only does it offer an opportunity to meet new folks, but also enjoy a meal that you don’t have to cook at home. It also may open the door for more activities and events that help keep seniors connected, engaged and active. Please reach out to your local senior center for more information.
If travel is an issue for seniors, senior centers also offer transportation services to get to medical appointments and shopping.
Older Americans Month Events
Throughout May, senior centers in all seven GRADD counties are celebrating Older Americans Month with a variety of activities. Please contact the local senior center for more information:
Hancock County Senior Center, 315 Ridgewood Dr, Hawesville – Health Fair, May 10, 9-11 a.m.; OAM Event, May 22.
Henderson County Senior Center/Gathering Place, 1817 North Elm Street, Henderson – Health Fair, May 15, 9-11 a.m.; OAM Event, May 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
McLean County Senior Citizens Center, 875 Walnut St., Calhoun – Health Fair, May 24, 9-11 a.m.; OAM Event, May 28.
Ohio County Senior Center, 2320 Highway 69, Hartford – Health Fair, May 1, 9-11 a.m., OAM Event, May 29.
Union County Senior Center, 225 Richards Lane, Morganfield – Health Fair, May 3, 9-11 a.m.; OAM Party with The Tempo, May 7.
Webster County Senior Center, 80 N. College St., Dixon – Health Fair, May 17, 9-11 a.m.; OAM Event, May 30.
In Daviess County, HPC – Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky is hosting the OAM event at the Senior Community Center with a “Senior Spring Picnic.” Calling it a “FUNdraiser” for the Senior Center, HPC is coordinating with other partner groups to offer an exciting day that includes games, entertainment and lunch. All proceeds from this event will be donated directly to the Senior Community Center. The event will be held on Thursday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center, 1650 W. 2nd Street, Owensboro.
“We (at HPC) are passionate about cultivating opportunities for seniors to engage and interact with one another,” said Caleb Farkas, Business Development Manager for HPC. For more information about sponsoring this event, contact him at (270) 926-7595.
The mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection contribute to a more positive, overall well-being for everyone. Staying connected is even more critical in this digital age where electronics and social media are often preferred to face-to-face, personal contact. The latter is where we find more meaningful connection, in my opinion, which is important for all generations, but especially for seniors.
