MAY ARTICLE: May is Older Americans Month
In May, we celebrate Older Americans Month which is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” is focused on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health by advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support their independence.
Here are a few ways individuals can take charge of their health:
Stay up to date on preventive care and screenings. Have regular health check-ups including screenings for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and more. Vision and hearing exams should also be scheduled regularly.
Practice daily habits that support mental health and resilience. Nurture optimism. One way to do so is to think about the things that you are thankful for each day. Getting enough sleep every night also helps support mental health. Develop a healthy sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep.
Build and maintain social connections that support emotional well-being. Keep in touch with friends and family. Get involved in your community as it provides a sense of belonging and is another way to maintain social connections. Older adults who stay engaged in the community are less likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. Don’t know how to get involved? Your local Council on Aging provides many activities and resources.
Incorporate regular physical activity to maintain strength and mobility. For example, walking is a good form of exercise as it helps you maintain mobility. Try to walk for 30 minutes a day, at least three times a week. (Be sure to check with your health care provider first.)
Choose nutritious, minimally processed foods. A diet that is high in saturated fats and trans fats, found in fried foods and snack foods, can raise your cholesterol. Many highly processed foods such as packaged snacks and instant products are also high in sodium. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure. Choose a healthy diet that is well-balanced and rich with various fruits and vegetables.
Older adults looking for nutrition assistance or resources, can contact the Nutrition Program at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) that offers nutritional counseling and dietician services. Healthy meals planned by a Registered Dietitian are available through Meals on Wheels and Community Dining. Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals directly to your home. Community Dining offers older adults the opportunity to gather, socialize, and enjoy a balanced meal together.
Champion Your Health. Stay healthy, active and engaged. For more information and resources, call 508-584-1561.
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring attention to ageism in society and its impact on individuals and communities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) in recognizing Ageism Awareness Day and promoting age-inclusion.
Read more … OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Expansion to Serve More - The organization now serves 34 communities across Plymouth County and the South Shore
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has expanded its territory to serve 11 additional towns in the South Shore.
by Kerry Zingaro
Putting the Spotlight on Local Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month – OCES Encourages Caregiver Nominations through October 12th
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, recognizes the dedication and compassion of family caregivers in our communities.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, one in four adults, 63 million Americans, are family caregivers. A significant number of family caregivers care for adults with complex medical conditions or disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
by Kerry Zingaro
For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
For the fourth consecutive year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, has been named as one of the “2026 Best Places to Work” by Cape & Plymouth Marketing.
Read more … For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
by Kerry Zingaro
SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Making it Grand. 5 Tips for Transitioning Routines to Support Back-to-school Schedules.
National Grandparents Day is a special day dedicated to honoring grandparents and recognizing the important roles they play in our families and communities. It is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which falls on September 13th this year.
by Kerry Zingaro
AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
Did you know that it’s National Wellness Month? This month, we celebrate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
It’s all about making self-care a priority, fostering healthy habits and reducing stress.
Read more … AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding area, has announced the schedule for the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program.
The monthly Saturday brunch program, operated and supported by OCES’ Nutrition Program, is for LGBTQ+ older adults who live on the South Shore and in the greater Plymouth County area.
Read more … OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
by Kerry Zingaro
Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June, two Marches Against Elder Abuse events brought hundreds together to raise awareness about elder abuse.
Read more … Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
by Kerry Zingaro
JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it also reminds us of another meaningful form of independence, one that is deeply valued across all cultures and communities, including the Cape Verdean and Asian communities, where older adults are honored for their wisdom, resilience, and important role within the family. Maintaining independence while aging is not only about remaining at home safely, but also about preserving dignity, cultural connections, and quality of life.
Read more … JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
by Kerry Zingaro
Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
A conversation with Armindo Rocha, Volunteer & Healthy Living Program Manager, Michelle Fontes, Adult Family Care Intake & Assessment Supervisor and Tremeda Martin, Home Care Transition Support Supervisor from OCES about National Minority Mental Health Month.
Read more … Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
