May is Older Americans Month: In Celebration of the Senior Citizen

Age has its advantage, certainly in the cities comprising Fulton County, Georgia. May has been designated as Older Americans Month and a varied slate of activities are scheduled to celebrate the maturity and wisdom of our older citizens, a group with which I now identify being a full fledged sexagenarian! Generally, the term "older American" implies 60 years of age and older. In April1963 President John F. Kennedy designated Senior Citizen month; seventeen years later in 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the name to Older Americans month. Each year there is a theme for the month of celebration. In 2006 the theme is "Choices for Independence".

Special Celebrations

In Fulton County, in the state of Georgia, many special activities and demonstrations were planned. There are four senior multipurpose facilities in the Atlanta area. Each center has scheduled events to honor the Older American. At the H. J. C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility in East Point, Georgia, May 4^th was Community Day. There were fun filled activities for the seniors and their families from 10 am -2pm. The children were kept amused by face painting, balloons, and enclosed play areas where they could romp and bounce to their heart's content. Outside vendors offered the ever popular popcorn, soft drinks other snack treats. The grounds of the center transformed into the look of a neighborhood fair. For the more sedate citizens, an enjoyable lunch was served to everyone and while dining, an African dance was presented by some of the seniors who were enrolled in the African dance class. A water aerobics demonstration, tai chai and a tour of the newly opened beauty salon offering services were part of the celebration. Senior University had speakers giving information about aging in place, housing and legal and financial recommendations. For the more spirited a blues and jazz celebration was well attended with the more adventurous among us taking a whirl around the dance floor to the smooth sounds of the SaNa band. During the week a volunteer luncheon was held to acknowledge those individuals who give of their time and expertise to teach the many classes offered at the multipurpose senior center. A highlight of the month is the popular and well received fashion swimwear show where senior students model their swimwear and accessories making a fashion statement as they strut down the runway.

Bridging the gap

Today's senior is no longer relegated to the proverbial rocking chair. Admittedly physical and perhaps mental changes may occur but today's senior has many resources to help him stay active and well into our advanced years. Indeed, we are encouraged by health practitioners and geriatricians to keep active mentally and physically to ensure that as we age, we do so gracefully and with dignity. Acknowledging the accomplishments of older Americans reminds the younger generation that not only do their parents and grandparents enjoy life to its fullest but today's society cannot relegate seniors to the "back of the room" where they will not be seen. Even employers are beginning to recognize the value and commitment of older workers. According to some reports, often older Americans outperform their juniors in the workplace because they are committed, loyal and reliable, important attributes for an employee . The medical community has ongoing medical interventions that enable us to live longer and more effectively with medical conditions that in years past would have been untreatable or perhaps terminal.

Though some may express disapproval at spending so much time and money on "those old folks" it is gratifying to see the caring support and attitude of the younger adults who daily work with seniors. Observing them serving, assisting and interacting with the seniors disproves the notion that the generational divide cannot be narrowed. Working together the gap between the young and the not so young can be narrowed which fosters mutual understanding and appreciation between the two age groups.

More Information

If you are not involved in a senior center, consider joining a senior program in your locale. In most areas, you can contact the local Office on Aging, social service agencies and hospitals for program information. In the Atlanta area, contact the Fulton County Information and Assistance Line at 404-730-6000. The H. J. C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility is located at 2885 Church Street in East Point, Georgia 30344. The telephone number is 404-762-4821. Visit online at www.Fultonhumanservice.org/mill for information about the other area senior multipurpose senior facilities. You can visit any of the centers to obtain a schedule of classes and registration dates. There is no charge for registration. Depending upon the course selected, you may pay incidental costs for materials needed to participate in the class, however; the class is free. You will complete an application and are required to get written consent from your physician stating you can participate in programs without detriment to your health.

Take a well deserved bow, fellow Older Americans. Together may we enjoy the life that we have and expand the horizons before us. Next May we endeavor to evaluate how far we have come during the year just passed. Let our prayer be that God will bless us to live a life of purpose and fulfillment and never look back to what was but what is to be.