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Health & Fitness

Celebrate Older Americans Month!

Celebrated every May since 1963 by communities and organizations across the country, Older Americans Month applauds the vibrant lives, legacies and ongoing contributions of older Americans.

“Unleash the Power of Age!” is the theme for the 2013 Older Americans Month. Celebrated every May since 1963 by communities and organizations across the country, Older Americans Month applauds the vibrant lives, legacies and ongoing contributions of older Americans.

Approximately 41.4 million, or 13.3 percent, of the total U.S. population are seniors, and the number is expected to rise to 92 million by 2060, or one of every five Americans. Many of the country’s older adults lend their continued strength, wisdom and experience within their communities and beyond through leadership and volunteer roles.

This year’s “Unleash the Power of Age!” theme boldly honors the courageous and confident lives of elders who are making an invaluable impact through their activities, histories, stories and optimism. Specific suggestions for involvement in Older Americans Month include:

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· Arranging a service activity for older citizens to join together, such as collecting food for the homeless or reading to children.

· Setting up a continuing education/speaker series, inviting seniors as experts, professors or authors in their fields to give presentations.

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· Planting a community garden where people of all ages can get outdoors together and grow healthy, fresh ingredients for their meals.

·  Coordinating an exercise/sports day for the community in which older citizens can join with those younger to participate in exercise and sports that promote staying in shape at any age.

·  Arranging a dance, drama or music performance for older adults and fellow community members to share their artistic talents.

·   Painting a community mural as an artistic expression of all ages coming together to beautify their surroundings.

To find additional opportunities to celebrate older Americans, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or visit the Older Americans Month website at www.olderamericansmonth.acl.gov for further ideas to unleash the power and contributions of America’s more than 41 million older adults.

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