May is a time to not only celebrate our transition to Ohio’s lovely spring season but also Older Americans Month.
With more than 2.8 million people 60 and older, and making up one-fourth of Ohio’s population, older adults are healthier and living longer and larger than our parents and grandparents did. The theme this year is “Powered by Connection.” Studies show that connectedness helps support independence and our ability to age in place. Consider these suggestions from the Ohio Department of Aging:
- Plan: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you. Explore the benefits available to you. Learn about your rights as a long-term care consumer.
- Engage: Remain involved and contribute to your community through recreation, work, volunteer, or civic participation opportunities.
- Be safe at home: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, access caregiver resources, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
- Stay healthy: Learn about and adopt lifestyle choices that enable you to be healthier, such as eating right, managing chronic health conditions, maintaining brain health, and preventing falls.
- Connect: Engage in social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.
Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone.
Contact your area agency on aging to learn about Older Americans Month.
