We’re celebrating Older Americans Month at Marjorie P. Lee this May.

Every year since 1963, when John F. Kennedy issued the first of what would be an annual proclamation, our nation has come together to honor the older adults among us. This national tradition celebrates the contributions that older adults have made in neighborhoods and communities across our country.

Every year, the Administration on Aging gives this observance a theme. In 2012, we were “Never Too Old to Play.” This year, we’re going to “Unleash the Power of Age” at Marjorie P. Lee and across the country.

Senior Life and Community

In an earlier blog, we spoke about how becoming involved in community can enrich senior living.

At Marjorie P. Lee, we know that this also works the opposite way—older adults enrich community life.

Older Americans are an integral part of our communities. Senior life has the benefit of experience, and older adults have a wealth of skills and stories to share. There are plenty of ways that communities can come together to honor these amazing older Americans and unleash the power of age.

In fact, joining forces with others might be the best way for older adults to bring about change and improve life in their communities. A whole community benefits when older adults are able to share their abilities and experience with friends and neighbors.

Volunteerism

Volunteering can be fun and energizing—and it’s a great way to get involved in your community.

At Marjorie P. Lee, older adults are able to engage in the community and turn the traditional roles of volunteerism on their head through the Council for Lifelong Engagement. Residents from Marjorie P. Lee and other ERH senior living communities share their knowledge and talents with children in the Cincinnati area as guest lecturers in local schools. They are able to share their experience and educate students on a number of areas—anything from history to art to business to science.

Whether you’re reading to children at a local library or serving in a soup kitchen, volunteering provides opportunities for older adults to stay active and impact the lives of people in their communities. You can find local volunteer opportunities online at United We Serve.

Continuing Education

It’s not just school children who can benefit from the interests and expertise of older adults.

Seniors have a lot to share—whole lives and careers on which they can draw to educate their communities. A speaker series at a local library or community center is an excellent way to put that experience to work.

At Marjorie P. Lee and our sister retirement communities, we have residents who have been teachers, authors, musicians, and experts in so many other fields. Older adults like our residents present a vast reservoir of knowledge from which a community can learn and grow.

Community Dining

Eating is one of the little pleasures in senior life, but dining is about more than just eating— it’s an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and an opportunity for fellowship.

Community dining at Marjorie P. Lee creates opportunities for residents to connect to with each other, and it can do the same in a larger community. Every recipe has a story—a favorite meal, a unique experience, a technique handed down through the generations. A potluck meal offers a chance to share and learn from these stories.

A neighborhood picnic or cookout brings the whole community together for a chance to enjoy good food and build relationships.

Although retirement communities like Marjorie P. Lee offer unique avenues for residents to be active in their communities, older adults also have plenty of opportunities to be involved in their neighborhoods and cities even if they aren’t part of a senior living community.