Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way.
This May, Bugbee Senior Center will be offering resources related to this theme, focusing on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose. The Center will also share resources from partners in the community who also offer ways for older adults to remain involved and included.
While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider:
- Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
- Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to the Upper Valley through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
- Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
- Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.
Events each week align with these four themes, along with a few fun entertainment options to celebrate OAM with the aging community. Events include:
- Thursday, May 5 at 12:30; A presentation from Bayada Hospice about Advance Care Planning
- Thursday, May 12 at 12:30; Staff from Bugbee Senior Center will demonstrate how to access a vast library of free virtual programming through the Center, which seniors can access at the Bugbee library or from the comfort of home.
- Tuesday, May 17 from 10 am to 4 pm; Bugbee is going on the road to the Hypertherm Volunteer Fair at 71 Heater Road in Lebanon, to connect people, older and younger alike, with opportunities to keep engaged in the community through volunteering.
- Wednesday, May 25 at 12:30; Dartmouth Health chaplain Jeanne Childs will give an opening seminar to a new course at Bugbee, called “You Never Listen!” Listening is a skill which can be vital to health and wellbeing. Learn easy techniques for making relationships more harmonious.
The schedule will be rounded out with after lunch entertainment from Doug Coughlin, a virtual tour of Southeast Arizona National Parks, a showcase from local musician Joseph Stallsmith, and a special Older Americans Dinner.
Click here https://www.bugbeecenter.org/ for more information about Bugbee Senior Center Activities.
