Each May, we celebrate Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, “Make Your Mark”, is apt for our times.
Older Americans Month was first celebrated in 1965, when the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law. The OAA set the foundation for a national network of local Area Agencies on Aging to plan and develop a network of services to help older adults live independently in their communities.
Fifty-five years later, that nationwide system of local organizations, services and programs continue to evolve and work together to meet the needs of today’s and future older adults. That work has never been more important than now in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Older adults are the demographic most devastated by the pandemic. In Michigan, 88% of deaths attributed to COVID-19 are older Michiganders. Seniors suffering from the effects of the illness and/or the limiting effects of the stay at home order need a coordinated system of services more than ever.
Area Agency on Aging and its network of service providers are here to help. If you or an older loved one need support as a result of the pandemic – or just in response to general issues of age or disability – call (800) 654-2810 to connect with assistance.
Older adults are not just ‘in need’. They’re also stepping up to help their communities. Some are volunteering to make ‘friendly calls’ to their peers to alleviate the impact of social isolation. They’re sewing masks, learning technology tools to connect with others and more. They’re heeding the advice of the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL) and leaning into the theme of this year’s Older Americans Month (OAM) by making their mark in this difficult time.
Locally, OAM 2020 is turning out very different than expected. Instead of gathering to show our love and respect for older adults in our community at events such as the annual Senior Expo at the Mendel Center or Older Michiganians Day at the state Capitol building, we’re staying apart.
Even though we’re apart physically, we can connect and support each other. We can still make our mark on each other’s lives. It’s important for both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Social isolation and loneliness are known risk factors for both physical and mental health issues, especially among older adults. Although isolation can have a devastating effect on mental health for people of all ages.
The opposite of isolation is connection. Telephone and video chat are two great ways we can connect with each other. Another way to connect is through sharing stories. The stories my parents and grandparents told me definitely made their mark on me. They taught me about resilience and instilled a sense of duty, service, faith and the dignity of all that inspires my life and work still today.
You have the opportunity to Make Your Mark through connection, support and the power of story in several ways this Older Americans Month and beyond.
- The ACL has great suggestions for connecting with others through stories along with general resources for engaging virtually – to socialize, explore, and unwind, and to look out for each other. Those resources can be found at bit.ly/OAMconnect.
- Join a Community Conversation on Aging. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is looking for feedback on what it’s like to be an older adult living in southwest Michigan. They want to learn about the needs and gaps in programs and services in order to better support the health and wellbeing of local seniors. Your input will help shape Michigan’s future. The call is on May 26th and pre-registration is required. You can register by calling Kelly at 517-241-4100.
- Volunteer to be a “Friendly Caller” and make calls to isolated seniors. Call Pat at (269) 983-7058 to learn more. Or find another volunteer opportunity that fits your interests. There’s a broad list of local opportunities at uwsm.org/volunteer.
- Share your story of how the pandemic has impacted you and/or an older loved one or how you’ve “Made Your Mark” during this time. There’s a link at areaagencyonaging.org where you can share your story. We’ll use those stories to inspire others as well as to shape future program development and help public policy makers know what older adults need to thrive.
Whether it’s sharing your personal story, joining a virtual community conversation, volunteering or finding other ways to have impact, I encourage you to make your mark by reaching out, connecting in some way with family, friends, neighbors and other community members. Because in staying apart, we need connection – and each other.