Older Americans Month 2019: Connect, Create, Contribute

Each year, more and more older adults are making a positive impact in and around Contra Costa County. As volunteers, employees, employers, educators, mentors, advocates, and more, they offer insight and experience that benefit the entire community. That’s why Older Americans Month (OAM) has been recognizing the contributions of this growing population for 56 years.

Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) each May, OAM provides resources to help older Americans stay healthy and independent, and resources to help communities support and celebrate their diversity.

Connect, Create, Contribute

This year’s OAM theme, Connect, Create, Contribute, encourages older adults and their communities to:

• Connect with friends, family, and local services and resources.
• Create through activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
• Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services will celebrate OAM by promoting ways that community members of all ages can take part in helping our county thrive. We encourage you to:

Connect: Get involved in the community, whether attending events at your local library, senior center, or other organization.  Tell a senior about community programs like Meals on Wheels or the Area Agency on Aging, or talk to your loved ones about important advance planning.

Create: Check out arts and crafts programs or dance classes through your city or local libraries.

Contribute: Volunteer for your favorite organization or donate to an organization that supports seniors.

Communities that support and recognize older adults are stronger! Join us in strengthening our community – this May and throughout the year. Visit the official OAM website for ideas and inspiration, and follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook.