Every May, the Administration for Community Living (formerly the Administration on Aging) leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2020 is “Make Your Mark.”
This theme was selected to encourage and celebrate countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. Their time, experience, and talents benefit family, peers, and neighbors every day. Communities, organizations, and individuals of all ages are also making their marks. This year’s theme highlights the difference everyone can make – in the lives of older adults, in support of caregivers, and to strengthen communities.
Who are older adults? Over 45? Over 50? The “old-old” over 90? Everyone has special qualities. Some are physically able and can take charge of their own physical, social, mental, and financial wellness. Others need help.
No matter what the age, and no matter what month it is, here are some ideas for how to “Make Your Mark” by maintaining your own wellness and helping others who may need your help.
Happy Older American’s Month!
Social
1. Stay in touch with friends and loved ones, or even reconnect with people you haven’t seen in years, through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2. Check out video call platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, Zoom and Google Hangouts, so you can see the faces of family and friends while you talk to them. EXPLORE
3. Host dinner or a game night with friends over video chat. Good Housekeeping has 10 game ideas to get you started.
4. Catch free theater or opera performances online. The New York Metropolitan Opera is streaming a different encore performance from their Live in HD series every day, and the UK’s National Theatre streams a different play on YouTube every Thursday.
5. Want something lower tech? Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone. Many streaming services are offering free trials or certain shows and movies at no charge.
6. Write a letter to a friend and reminisce about one of your favorite memories of them. Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memory.
7. Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins.
15 minute a day program helps you stay active. TheOptimal.me program
Physical
8. Learn how work all your muscles together, balancing your body to help you stay active and break free from the aches and pains of aging in 15 minutes a day. TheOptimal.me provides the step-by-step process.
9. Learn a new cooking skill and share your recipe with others. Tackle sourdough, yogurt or muffins.
Mental
10. Browse more than 2,500 free courses available on edX. With subjects ranging from computer science to arts and humanities to foreign languages, there’s something for everyone.
11. Learn from the pros. MasterClass Live is currently offering one free streaming class per week.
12. Check your library’s free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book
Fun
13. Explore zoos and aquariums across the country, including Smithsonian’s National Zoo, through virtual behind the scenes tours and lessons. Many have live webcams so you can watch the animals any time.
Crater Lake. Photo: National Parks Service
Cultural
14. Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums and galleries have partnered with Google Arts & Culture to display their collections through virtual tours.
15. Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours and experiences that you can access anytime.
Help Older Adults
16. The Eldercare Locator, a public service of ACL, is a nationwide service that connects older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Whether you are looking for help with services like meals and home care, or you want to learn more about caregiver education and respite, the Eldercare Locator can point you in the right direction.
