PLANNING NOW TO AGE YOUR WAY Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it. In Home and Community Services, we pride ourselves in offering a broad array of innovative services and supports so that our older adults can choose to age how they want. This May, as we celebrate Older Americans Month, you can take the time to consider this year’s theme: Age My Way. According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this year’s theme focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose. This May, adults of all ages should take a moment to consider the question: how can I prepare to age my way? It’s never too early to plan for aging and for where and how you’d like to age. Here are some questions to consider while you’re thinking: •
What will you need and want in the future? What home- and community-based services would be of interest to you?
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How can you remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, or civic participation opportunities?
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How can you make improvements and modifications to your living space, use assistive technologies, or plan customized supports to help you better age in place?
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How can you maintain 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. For more information on Older Americans Month, visit the official Older Americans Month website.
May is Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is “Age My Way,” encouraging all adults to plan for where and how they’d like to age.