Happy Older Americans Month! Celebrate by showing your appreciation and support for older adults as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.
This year’s theme—Never Too Old to Play—encourages older adults to stay engaged and active in their communities. In keeping with that theme, the Administration on Aging (AoA) is encouraging people across the country to host a Day of Play in honor of Older Americans Month. A Day of Play can feature activities that bring older adults together with children and youth in their neighborhoods to exercise, socialize and play! To help coordinate your Day of Play, download the AoA’s activity guide for Bridging the Generation Gap today!
As President Obama aptly summarized in his Presidential Proclamation declaring May 2012 as Older Americans Month:
From our parks and schools to our faith and service organizations, the generosity and talents of active seniors augment our children's education, bring our families together, and strengthen the fabric of our society. Our seniors have devoted their entire lives to building the future their children and grandchildren deserve. During Older Americans Month, we celebrate their successes and recommit to supporting them as they shape America's next great generation.
We hope you join us in acknowledging the contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the year!
Image: Administration on Aging
3 comments:
At age 85 I'm still able to play (golf, that is). Hope I never get to old to play bridge, poker , use an iPad, and keep in contact with Generations United. Tom Taylor
I am all for older adults playing alongside children. However, I am dismayed that "Never Too Old to Play" is so narrowly construed.
Surely, elders can play without children, as Tom describes. Indeed, many elders prefer not to play with children present.
At Must Have Play, we are proud and excited to design and build playgrounds for elders. These are attractive outdoor spaces carefully designed to provide elders opportunities to exercise, socialize, and play.
Please don't limit elders' play by suggesting that it is only valid if children are included.
While we would certainly second your calls to encourage older adults to exercise and play, Older Americans Month can also be a good time for many Americans to make sure that the homes of loved ones are free from possible hazards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says one in every three adults aged 65 and older falls each year, but less than half talk to their healthcare providers about it. Furthermore, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among adults aged 65 and older. May can indeed be a good time to get older adults to be active, but it can also be a great time to make sure that they are safe in their own homes.
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