Celebrating Older Americans Month: Powered by Connection

DAYTON–Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May since it was established in 1963. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

This year's theme, "Powered by Connection," focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults – a relationship underscored by the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.

"It's not just about having someone to chat with," said Stephanie Carpenter, a member of Southeast Washington Aging & Long-Term Care's Advisory Council. "It's about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being." According to Stephanie Carpenter, by recognizing and nurturing the role that connectedness plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting health aging for more Americans.

How can community groups, business, and organizations mark OAM?

What can individuals do to connect?

• Dayton Senior Center - Spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection through professional and personal networks.

• Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.

• Promote opportunities to engage, like cultural activities, recreational programs, and interactive virtual events.

• Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, that can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems. Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults, or youths.

• Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities in your community.

• Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.

• Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.

• Aging and Long-Term Care (ALTC) Resource Center

• Volunteer Opportunities

The Senior Center is located at 403 E. Patit Street, Dayton. Phone (509) 382-2006.

The Center is open every Tuesday and Thursday, doors open at 11:00 a.m. Lunch is served at 12:00, events typically start at 1 p.m.

Senior Center Monthly Scheduled Events:

• First Tues. Health Education workshops.

• First Thurs. Free Blood Pressure check

• Enhanced Fitness Class –

• Hospital Auxiliary - Volunteer opportunities

For more information, visit the official OAM website and follow AC on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.