MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!

Many older adults are living longer than their grandparents and parents. However, there is still a belief among some that growing older means it’s time to slow down and step back from things - which means being less involved.

The mindset of being “too old” to participate in and contribute to society is a misconception that both older and younger generations must constantly dispel.

Here are several ways that older adults can flip the script on aging:

Stay engaged in the community. Attend local events - from farmers’ markets, parades and local art displays to free concerts on the town common. Become more active with your local Council on Aging (COA), which offers recreational and educational activities as well as plenty of opportunities to socialize. COAs offer activities such as crafts, games, events, special interest clubs, fitness classes and more. For older adults who no longer drive or who are unable to utilize public transportation, many COAs even offer transportation to and from their sites.

Share your knowledge and ideas. Share your talent or hobby. For example, display your photography or artwork. Knitters might teach a group how to knit or woodworkers may share how to build a birdhouse. Have a knack for gardening? Share your knowledge of plants with others or join the local garden club and take part in your town’s beautification process.

Keep learning. Learning new things is another way to stay engaged. Consider your interests. From art, literature and languages to music, technology, sports and more. Perhaps attend a free presentation, online class or in-person event. Not sure where to start? Your local library or COA is a great resource.

Get involved through volunteering. Volunteering not only helps those you serve; volunteering is also beneficial to you as it keeps you engaged and connected to others. Much research has shown that volunteering can improve physical and mental health, especially in older adults. Getting involved in the community provides a sense of belonging. Older adults who stay engaged in the community are less likely to experience loneliness and social isolation.

Food pantries, animal shelters, senior service agencies, disaster services organizations, advocacy and human rights organizations and many other nonprofit organizations often rely on volunteers to help fulfill their missions. For example, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has many volunteers who help ensure the distribution of nearly 2,000 meals each weekday to recipients as part of its Meals on Wheels Nutrition Program. OCES has plenty of opportunities for you to get involved.

Older adults make a difference

Every day, older adults make a positive difference in the lives of others and their communities through their conversations, contributions and outreach.

At OCES, we continually strive to dispel misconceptions about aging. We recognize, support and empower older adults. Join us in celebration of Older Americans Month.

OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. For more information, visit ocesma.org

Sources:

Administration for Community Living. (2025, February 10.) Older Americans Month 2025.
https://acl.gov/oam/2025/older-americans-month-2025

National Council on Aging. (2024, June 1.) Aging in America. Get the facts on older Americans.
https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-older-americans/