Older adults create a legacy of community action
May is Older Americans Month and the 2020 theme is "Make Your Mark!"
In the Dundee Township Park District community, older adults make their marks every day as volunteers, employees, employers, parents, grandparents, mentors, and advocates. They offer their time, talents, and experience to the benefit of our communities.
For 57 years, Older Americans Month has been a special time to recognize these contributions. Led by the Administration for Community Living each May, OAM also provides resources to help older Americans stay healthy and independent, and materials to help communities support and celebrate their citizens.
This year's theme highlights older adults' lasting contributions to their communities - everything from sharing a story with grandchildren to leaving a legacy of community action. In the spirit of this theme, here are a few ways to make your mark this May and all year long:
• Volunteer your time. Local schools, shelters, food kitchens, and hospitals always need support. Help a neighbor by prepping a meal, picking up groceries, or giving them a ride. Or, take time to pass on your knowledge. Why not tutor a student who could use extra help in math, music, or science over Zoom for the time being.
• Share your story. There are so many ways to do this, from showing your grandkids around your old neighborhood to writing a book. Take a class and learn how to express yourself with the arts! Or, assemble a photo album of important moments in your life.
• Get involved in your neighborhood. Join a homeowner or resident association, or sign up for a book club or other social group. Have a green thumb? Small projects like planting flowers in your yard or cleaning up the community park have a big impact.
Communities that support and include all their members are stronger! Please join us in strengthening our community - reach out to an older family member or older people in your community to check on them and ask them about their stories to start. We are all in this together!
Want to learn more? Visit www.acl.gov/oam.