Senior L ife
Living with Purpose:
SENIORcare 2025
Dear Reader,
At the Michigan Chronicle, we have long understood the importance of honoring every stage of life and that includes uplifting and celebrating the rich, dynamic lives of our senior community. It is with great pride that I welcome you to the 2025 edition of Senior Care, themed Senior Life.
This year’s theme reflects what we know to be true: growing older is not an ending, but a powerful continuation. It is a time of reflection, reinvention, and renewed purpose. Our seniors are not simply aging, they are living with intention. They are traveling, building businesses, prioritizing wellness, finding companionship, and staying actively engaged in the issues and relationships that matter most.
timely resources, thoughtful perspectives, and accessible guidance on health, lifestyle, financial stability, digital inclusion, and mental wellbeing. We are committed to presenting content that reflects the realities, challenges, and aspirations of seniors who remain engaged, curious, and committed to living life fully.
At the Michigan Chronicle, we believe that representation matters. Our seniors deserve to see themselves reflected with dignity, vibrancy, and truth. Whether you are exploring new passions, embracing rest and reflection, or simply looking for useful information to support your daily life, this edition is designed with you in mind.
We thank you for allowing us to continue being a trusted source of news, insight, and community connection. It is our honor to walk alongside you in this journey and to recognize that your story is still being written with strength, style, and purpose.
Warm regards,
In a society that often overlooks older adults, particularly within the Black community, Senior Life serves as a reminder that this chapter of life deserves just as much recognition and support as any other. Our elders are leaders, culture keepers, and storytellers. They are vital to our families, our neighborhoods, and our institutions. Their experiences, their wisdom, and their continued contributions are essential to the progress we seek today. Through the pages of this issue, we aim to inform and inspire, offering
Hiram E. Jackson Publisher, Michigan Chronicle Chief Executive Officer, Real Times Media
Embrace the Possibilities
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM), headquartered in Southfield, is a faith-based, non-profit, multi-site system that has served seniors since 1945. Whether you or a loved one are looking for independent accommodations, assisted living, skilled nursing, dedicated memory care, rehab, or respite, PVM’s network of villages, collaborative partners, and home and community based services offer the best in senior living and care for seniors age 55 and better.
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 400 Southfield, MI 48033-7496
(248) 281-2020 | pvm.org
Serving older adults at over 30 locations across the state!
Scan here to find the location that meets your needs!
Living with Purpose:
Somewhere along the way, we were taught that success had a deadline. It looked like a certain job title, a certain amount of money, a full house, and a full calendar. And that once we hit a certain age, particularly after retirement, we were supposed to slow down, fade quietly into the background, and let the world move on without us.
But vibrant Black seniors across the country are flipping that script. They are unlearning what it means to live with purpose and creating a new definition of success that centers joy, intention, and soul.
The truth is, success after 60 doesn’t look like hustle. It looks like healing. It looks like wisdom shared, gardens planted, peace prioritized, and boundaries respected. It looks like finally having the space to ask yourself, “What do I want now?” and knowing you don’t owe anyone an answer but yourself.
For many older adults, especially within the Black community, the earlier years of life were focused on survival. Working multiple jobs. Raising families. Fighting against systems that didn’t see our full humanity. Now, in this chapter of life, the question becomes: what does it mean to thrive?
That shift in perspective is powerful. It al-
aren’t just hobbies. They are expressions of a life fully lived, with stories that need to be told and shared.
For men in particular, redefining success can be an emotional shift. In a society that often teaches Black men to tie their worth to how much they provide, aging can feel like loss. But many are discovering that their greatest value lies not in what they do but in who they are. They are becoming teachers, caregivers, spiritual leaders, griots, and guides.
And for Black women, who have often been the backbone of families and communities, this chapter can be the first time they prioritize themselves without guilt. It might look like going back to school, starting a business, taking solo trips, or finally learning to say no without explanation.
Success can be choosing peace over pressure. It can be walking away from toxic relationships. It can be letting your hair go silver, wearing bold colors, and refusing to shrink.
It also includes taking care of your health — not just to live longer, but to live better. More seniors are embracing holistic wellness, eating with intention, walking daily, and checking in with therapists to work through the emotional weight they’ve carried for years. That is success too.
Technology is making it easier to stay engaged. From virtual Bible studies to YouTube dance classes to Zoom family reunions, staying connected is no longer limited by distance. Some elders are even leading digital communities where they teach, inspire, and uplift others.
There is also power in slowing down. In a culture obsessed with speed, being able to move at your own pace is revolutionary. You don’t have to have a full calendar to have a full life. Sometimes the most purposeful moments are found in the quiet — a morning cup of tea, a phone call with an old friend, watching birds from the porch, or journaling your dreams.
Living with purpose after 60 means knowing that your life still matters. That your presence still has an impact. That your voice still has weight.
Redefining success in this chapter is about letting go of what no longer fits and embracing what feeds your spirit. It’s knowing that your value isn’t tied to age, income, or accomplishments but to the love you give, the truth you speak, and the legacy you’re building every single day.
So give yourself permission to evolve. To rest. To rise. And to write this chapter as boldly and beautifully as you choose. Because the story isn’t over, in many ways, it’s just beginning.
lows for a kind of freedom that many didn’t have access to earlier in life. You no longer have to prove your worth through productivity. You get to define success on your own terms, whether that means mentoring younger generations, traveling to places you’ve always dreamed of, or simply sitting in stillness and enjoying your own company.
Community continues to play a big role in that sense of purpose. Many seniors find joy and direction through service — not because they have to, but because they want to give back in a way that feels aligned with their values. That might mean volunteering at a local school, starting a community garden, teaching sewing or carpentry to young folks, or organizing monthly meetups that center on wellness and culture.
Success also means being rooted in your truth. And for many, that comes through reconnecting with spirituality or exploring it more deeply than before. Whether through church, meditation, ancestral practices, or quiet prayer, this chapter offers the time and space to reflect on your journey and to grow from it.
This is also a powerful time for creativity. Seniors across the country are picking up paintbrushes, learning to play instruments, writing poetry, and publishing books. These
How to Redefine Success in This Chapter of Life
Daily Joy: Morning Rituals That Nourish Mind, Body & Spirit
There’s something beautiful about the early morning hours, when the world is still stretching and waking up. For many vibrant seniors, that time before the phone rings or the television comes on is a powerful opportunity to connect with themselves, set the tone for the day, and nourish every part of who they are. Morning rituals are more than just habits. They are intentional practices that nurture the mind, strengthen the body, and uplift the spirit.
And the beauty is, they don’t have to be elaborate to be effective. In fact, the most powerful routines are often the simplest. A cup of tea in a favorite mug. A few minutes of prayer or deep breathing. Standing barefoot in the grass to greet the sun. These small acts of care create a rhythm of joy that carries throughout the day.
Many Black elders grew up in homes where morning rituals were already part of the culture. From the smell of coffee brewing to gospel music on the radio, there was a sense of purpose to how the day began. Today’s generation of active seniors is not only preserving
those traditions but reimagining them with fresh intention and wellness in mind.
For some, the ritual begins with silence. No TV, no phone, just stillness. That quiet space allows room to hear
Aging in Place Services
Interior Projects
your own thoughts and feel the presence of God, the ancestors, or your own inner wisdom. Meditation and mindfulness practices are becoming increasingly popular among older adults, especially within the Black community, where stress has often been generational and chronic.
Apps like Calm and Insight Timer offer guided meditations tailored for all levels, including those focused on gratitude, healing, and spiritual strength. Even five minutes of intentional breathing can reduce blood pressure, calm anxiety, and improve focus.
Movement is another key part of a nourishing morning. It doesn’t have to mean high-impact exercise. A gentle walk, stretching routine, or chair yoga session can get the blood flowing and ease stiffness. Many seniors are finding joy in practices like tai chi, which combines fluid movement with breath work and mental clarity.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in a morning routine. A warm glass of lemon water, a smoothie packed with
The desire to age in place can become a reality with simple home modifications. Call for a free Senior Safety Assessment and we can share ideas with you on how to make it happen.
• Widen doorways
• Install ramps
• Shower & bathtub modifications
• Zero entrance tubs and showers
• Flooring modifications
• Kitchen modifications
• Pull out cabinetry
• Seated kitchen surfaces
• Raised toilet replacement
• Installing rails in halls and bathrooms
• Light switches at top and bottom of stairways
• Electrical outlets near beds for charging and to reduce trip hazards
• Secure or remove area rugs
• Adjustable rods in closets
• Changing doorknobs to levers
Exterior Projects
• Wheelchair ramp installation and removal
• Walkway maintenance
• No-trip doorway thresholds
• Replacing home numbers
• Additional lighting
• Handrails on entry stairs
• Replacing exterior lighting with light sensor technology to turn on and off automatically
• Keyless Entry Systems
• Doorknob replacements
• Doorway widening
• Fixing walkways or entrances to your home
greens, or a hearty bowl of oats can do wonders for energy levels and digestion. Herbs and teas like ginger, turmeric, moringa, and elderberry are being incorporated more into daily routines, not just for flavor but for their healing properties.
Some seniors are embracing herbalism and plant medicine as a return to ancestral practices. Whether it’s a homemade tonic or simply learning more about the power of food as medicine, there’s a growing curiosity about holistic health that empowers rather than overwhelms.
Journaling is another tool that brings clarity and peace to the start of the day. Writing down a few lines about dreams, gratitude, or intentions can shift perspective and help process emotions. It doesn’t have to be poetic. It just has to be honest. What am I feeling today? What do I need more of? What can I release?
Spiritual practice remains central for many older adults, whether through scripture reading, devotional studies, or simply lighting a candle in prayer. Morning prayer circles via phone or Zoom are popular among church communities, and they offer not just spiritual nourishment but social connection.
In fact, connection is part of what makes a morning routine complete. For seniors living alone, even a short call or voice memo from a friend can provide a sense of belonging. Some set aside time in the morning to check in on a neighbor, send encouraging texts, or water a community garden. These acts of service and connection feed the soul.
Technology can support these routines without disrupting them. Smart speakers can play affirmations, alarms can remind you to take your supplements, and fitness trackers can encourage consistent movement. The key is to use these tools intentionally, not as distractions but as companions in your wellness journey.
Morning rituals aren’t about perfection. Some days you’ll oversleep. Some mornings might start with a doctor’s appointment or a grandchild knocking at your door. That’s life. The power of a ritual is that it’s flexible. You can pick it back up whenever you need to.
What matters most is how it makes you feel. Empowered. Grateful. Present. When you start your day with intention, you’re not just reacting to life. You’re co-creating it. You’re affirming your right to joy, to peace, and to purpose.
And there’s something deeply revolutionary about Black elders choosing joy at the start of every day. After all the world has demanded from you, to center your own wellness and create space for spiritual growth is no small act. It’s a legacy in motion.
So whether your morning includes stretching with Mahalia Jackson playing in the background, sipping tea by the window, walking your block with your head held high, or reading a psalm before breakfast, know that you are feeding more than just your body. You are feeding your life.
Because joy is not just something we stumble upon. It’s something we practice. And the morning is the perfect place to begin.
In Oakland County, we are committed to providing access to a whole host of services for all of our residents, including our growing population of older adults. It’s why we created the Office of Older Adult Services to educate our residents about the array of services we offer older adults. It’s why we invested $5 million in grants for improvements at Senior Centers across Oakland County. And it’s why we continue to focus on public health programming, home repair, eviction protection and affordable housing initiatives.
To learn more about the services Oakland County offers to older adults, visit oakgov.com/olderadults or contact our the Older Adult Services office at olderadults@oakgov.com or 248-858-0593.
Our older residents have contributed so much to our families, businesses, neighborhoods and communities. It’s now our responsibility to provide them with the tools and resources they need to live their best lives.
With gratitude,
DAVID COULTER Oakland County Executive
Welcome to the Rest of Your Life! Think Positive, Explore Possibilities
At every age, no matter what our circumstances, we need to hold on to a passion for growth, self-improvement, and the ability to connect meaningfully with others. Those who do are seen as vibrant – people who exude vitality and embrace their lives, even when living with health, social, and economic challenges.
How we see ourselves, and how others see us, is critical to how we navigate our futures. We have growing responsibilities to
monitor our health, finances, and overall well-being. And with retirees living longer, a world of opportunities awaits us.
A growing number of Americans between the ages of 50 and 70 are considering second careers for various reasons, including the desire to stay active, stay engaged, or give back to the community. Some desire more flexibility to balance work with their personal lives.
today face a mix of progress and challenges in their health. Between 2022 and 2023, the report notes a nine percent decrease in early death rates, with approximately 40,900 fewer deaths before age 75. However, mental and behavioral health challenges persist, and there are still large significant disparities between gender and race. If living a long, healthy life is
important to you, it’s time to examine all the factors needed to make that happen. Healthy habits will strengthen you, especially if your retirement also includes caring for aging parents and continuing to support adult children. Clearly, you cannot care for others without first for yourself.
According to the CDC, the following daily habits for people of all ages form the foundation for living longer, healthier lives:
• Nutrition. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
• Physical activity. Keep your body active by doing regular exercise.
• Mental functioning: Keep your mind stimulated and get enough sleep.
• Social well-being: Stay socially connected and engaged with others.
• Emotional well-being: Take care of your emotional well-being, including managing stress, having a positive outlook, and seeking support when needed.
• Injury prevention: Try to avoid falls and other injuries by taking precautions and practicing safe driving.
• Health care routine: Keep up with regular health checkups, vaccines, and screenings; and manage any chronic conditions.
blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, and mental illness.
Matters of Wealth
So, what might your retirement look like? For some, it’s walking away from work entirely. Others may retire in stages, working in retirement through part-time jobs, consulting, or passion projects such as volunteering to serve others. And with no one “right” way to retire, many are designing retirements that more accurately reflect their goals, values, and lifestyles, regardless of traditional retirement timelines.
As you look ahead, explore your options. The more options you explore, the more choices you will have. Retirement can trigger a loss of structure, identity, and purpose, so it’s important to be intentional about your values and how you seek fulfillment. Explore volunteer work, hobbies, or passion projects that can ease the transition and foster fulfillment to pave the way for a more authentic reinvention.
For help planning or tweaking your financial future, visit the Detroit Area Agency on Aging website for the newly published DAAA Life Guide 360 (https://bit.ly/4gZ9vLX).
And remember the popular quote, “You are the captain of your own ship.” It reminds us of the initiative we need to trust our instincts and navigate the seas of our own vibrant, fulfilling lives, much like a ship captain navigating the seas.
“Aging is not about how many years have passed, but how much life you have embraced.” — Sophia Loren
Ronald Taylor President & CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging
Others seek meaningful work that provides a sense of purpose, aligning with their values. To make ends meet, many who have left long-standing jobs are seeking new employment, whether fulltime or part-time.
For all, commitment to healthy aging is imperative.
Matters of Health
According to the 2025 Senior Report from the United Health Foundation, American seniors
Mayo Clinic research highlights the importance of quality sleep as a key driver of longevity. Without sufficient sleep, we compromise our healing and restorative processes, thereby increasing the risk of health problems. Conversely, poor sleep hygiene, lack of exercise, and smoking are damaging behaviors that can accelerate aging. From Harvard University Medical School research, we learn that sleep deprivation -- sleeping less than seven hours -- contributes to diabetes, high
WE ARE ALLAging
Seasoned & Solo:
Finding Joy in Your Own Company
There’s something powerful about witnessing a woman in her seventies step into a room with her head held high, dressed sharp, walking like she owns the space — and truthfully, she just might. She’s not rushing to keep up with anybody. She’s not waiting for permission to enjoy her life. She’s learned, maybe the hard way, that her time is sacred.
More and more, we’re seeing older adults — especially Black seniors — choosing to live life on their own terms. Whether widowed, divorced, or never married, today’s vibrant seniors are redefining what it means to be solo. And let’s be clear, solo doesn’t mean lonely. It means centered, grounded, and self-defined.
Across the country, the fastest-growing population living alone is folks over 60, and the trend is particularly strong among Black women. That might surprise some, but for many of our elders, living alone isn’t a sad conclusion to a life story. It’s a bold chapter that opens the door to a different kind of freedom.
A recent study by AARP found that nearly 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 live alone, and for many, that’s by choice. After years spent taking care of families, working jobs, navigating heartbreaks, and raising grandchildren, this season is about reclaiming joy. Solo living allows for uninterrupted rest, spiritual reflection, and self-care that doesn’t need to be penciled in between obligations.
ture solo travelers, offering curated trips with built-in social time and safety. Whether it’s a heritage trip to Ghana, a jazz cruise down the Mississippi, or a spiritual retreat in Sedona, older Black travelers are showing up and showing out.
Of course, there are moments of solitude that hit a little differently. Holidays, birthdays, and Sunday dinners can feel quiet in ways that tug at the heart. But many solo seniors say those moments pass, and with intention, they learn how to honor them without being consumed.
Rituals help. Lighting a candle in memory of loved ones. Cooking a favorite meal just for yourself. Volunteering at a local shelter or mentoring younger folks in the neighborhood. These small acts create meaning, and meaning is what transforms alone time into sacred time.
It’s also important to take care of emotional wellness. Therapy isn’t just for the young and stressed. Seniors are embracing mental health resources more than ever, seeking out therapists who understand the cultural nuances of aging Black and solo. Talking things out, even virtually, can ease the weight of transitions and help frame this chapter as a new beginning rather than an end.
20 Things to Try After 60
Evelyn Davis, 74, of Detroit, retired from teaching five years ago and has been solo ever since. “At first I didn’t know what to do with all the quiet,” she says with a laugh. “But then I realized it wasn’t emptiness. It was space. Space to breathe, to think, to remember who I was before life got so noisy.”
She spends her mornings tending to a garden she started from scratch. In the afternoons, she paints, listens to jazz records, and hosts a monthly book club with a few neighbors. Her calendar is full, but it’s hers alone to fill.
This solo lifestyle doesn’t mean disconnecting from community. In fact, for many seniors, it’s a time when friendships deepen, when sisterhood becomes more meaningful, and when bonds are formed not out of obligation but mutual joy.
Church groups, travel clubs, and community centers are thriving hubs for active seniors. Many offer yoga and tai chi, line dancing, creative writing workshops, and wellness seminars. Virtual platforms like Facebook groups or local meetup pages are also great for finding social circles tailored to interests and values.
For those looking to travel, solo doesn’t mean staying home. Travel companies now cater to ma-
Technology, too, has opened up new possibilities. FaceTime, Zoom, and even TikTok have become unexpected tools for connection and creativity. Just ask the “Golden Gals” of TikTok, women in their 70s and 80s who post dancing videos, cooking tutorials, and life advice to thousands of followers. One Georgia-based grandmother recently went viral for her homemade cornbread recipe and unfiltered relationship wisdom.
Finding joy in your own company doesn’t mean cutting yourself off from others. It means refusing to settle for less than what nurtures your spirit. It means putting on your favorite lipstick just to sit on your porch with a good book. It means dancing in your kitchen to Aretha with nobody watching.
Solo living also invites a deeper spiritual connection. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, or ancestral reverence, quiet time can open up portals to peace that a noisy house often can’t. And for many, it’s a chance to explore new dimensions of faith, creativity, and healing.
To be seasoned and solo is to know your worth without needing it confirmed by someone else. It’s not a rejection of companionship. It’s an affirmation of self. Whether you find joy in solitude, sisterhood, or somewhere in between, this season is yours to shape — and it’s never too late to fall in love with your own life.
Whoever said the best years are behind you clearly never met a Black elder stepping into their sixties with style, grace, and an attitude that says, “I’m just getting started.” Life after 60 isn’t about slowing down. It’s about living deeper, bolder, and with more intention than ever before. This chapter is about choosing yourself, investing in joy, and exploring experiences that light you up from the inside out.
So whether you’re freshly retired, recently re-centered, or just ready for something new, this Golden List is for you. It’s a celebration of vibrant living, rooted in culture, creativity, and soul. These aren’t your typical bucket list items. They’re fresh, meaningful, and made with our community in mind.
1. Take a solo trip to the Motherland
Whether it’s Ghana, Senegal, or South Africa, a pilgrimage to Africa can be life-changing. You don’t have to go with a tour group either. Solo travel is powerful. Walk the streets, touch the soil, and let the ancestors whisper to you.
2. Write your memoir — even if no one reads it but you Your story matters. Whether you grew up in the Jim Crow South, marched for civil rights, or raised three generations under one roof, your voice deserves to be preserved.
3. Learn an African or diasporic language
Swahili, Yoruba, Haitian Creole, or even Gullah — pick one and start learning. Language is cultural memory. Reclaiming it connects you to your people in powerful ways.
4. Get on TikTok and show these kids how it’s done You don’t need to dance, unless you want to. Share wisdom, cook your famous gumbo, review books, or just vibe in your Sunday best. Black elders are going viral for a reason — people are hungry for authenticity and joy.
5. Host a Black film screening night in your community
From Daughters of the Dust to Love Jones, create a cinematic experience that brings folks together and sparks conversation. Add soul food and you’ve got a whole event.
6. Plant a garden with your grandbabies using ancestral techniques
Teach them about okra, collards, healing herbs, and how our people have always been close to the land. Growing food is an act of resistance and self-love.
7. Take a dance class that makes you feel alive
Try Afrobeat, Chicago-style stepping, or even pole dancing if you’re feeling bold. There’s no age limit on feeling free in your body.
8. Record your family history before it’s lost
Use your phone, a journal, or an app. Ask your elders if they’re still here. Share your memories with your children and grandchildren. Family stories are medicine.
9. Learn how to swim, finally
Many Black folks were historically denied access to pools. Break that cycle. Learn. Float. Glide. Own the water.
10. Start a spiritual circle rooted in our traditions
Create a space for Black elders to pray, meditate, burn sage, read scripture, or study African spirituality. Healing happens in community.
11. Say yes to a style transformation
Try silver box braids, a shaved head, Ankara prints, or headwraps that tell a story. Wear what makes you feel powerful and fly.
12. Start a podcast or radio show
You’ve got wisdom to share. Whether it’s Black history, health tips, or just Sunday reflections, your voice can reach the world.
13. Try cannabis in a safe and intentional way
Many Black seniors are exploring edibles and CBD for pain relief, anxiety, or sleep. Do your research. Talk to your doc-
tor. It’s a wellness option, not a taboo.
14. Learn how to DJ or produce music
Your musical taste is unmatched. So why not mix it up? Learn the tech. Make playlists. Start a vinyl club.
15. Revisit your HBCU or finally take a class at one
You don’t need a degree to learn. HBCUs often offer community classes, alumni events, and cultural programming that’ll feed your mind and soul.
16. Start your own business
It’s never too late. Sell your pound cakes, open a plant shop, become a wellness coach. Elders are the new entrepreneurs, and people want what you’ve got.
17. Go to a silent retreat
Disconnect from everything. No phone, no TV. Just you,
Helping Seniors and Their Families for Over 50 Years
your thoughts, and maybe some trees. Silence can be loud with revelation.
18. Mentor a young person who reminds you of yourself
You don’t need to be perfect. Just present. The right conversation at the right time can change someone’s life.
19. Start a Black elder book club with revolutionary reads
Go beyond the bestsellers. Read Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Toni Cade Bambara, and Octavia Butler. Discuss with wine, tea, or sweet potato pie.
20. Fall in love again — even if it’s just with yourself
Whether it’s dating, rekindling an old flame, or finally putting yourself first, give your heart room to stretch. You are not done feeling, loving, or glowing.
This season of your life isn’t about looking back. It’s about reaching deeper, laughing louder, and living as fully as your spirit calls you to. The best part of being over 60 is that you’ve earned your joy. Now it’s time to explore it, one soulful step at a time.
So go ahead and make your own Golden List. Make it wild. Make it sacred. And most importantly, make it yours.
Michigan Central Station Becomes a Runway of Hope, Style, and Legacy
The Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) transformed the majestic Michigan Central Station in Southwest Detroit on Wednesday, October 8, with its 2025 Senior Fashion Show Gala, a radiant celebration of aging gracefully, embracing wisdom, and showcasing the beauty of growing older. Guests were encouraged to dress in their finest to match the occasion. And, instead of professional models, the spotlight was on the lived experiences of local adults aged 55 and above, whose flair for fashion seemed to punctuate their self-assurance.
For Ms. Kelsaw of Detroit, the fashion show was a “feel-good” experience and a great opportunity to be in the company of lively individuals, close in age, especially when her next stop would be one of three weekly kidney dialysis appointments. “All of us need to manage the must-dos with what we want to do, and I wasn’t going to miss either.” She then added, “I’ve also wanted to return to Michigan Central Station since my first train to Pittsburgh when I was four years old. I even remember the dress I was wearing. Coming again to the train station has been on my bucket list for years, and I’m finally checking it off the list!”
Between the runway and banquet floor, the event was proof that beauty, optimism, confidence, and purpose don’t fade with age; they deepen. Smiles were everywhere, and numerous audience members were eager to express their gratitude for services from DAAA, includ-
ing Ms. McDuffie, whose mother, now age 102, has been a Meals on Wheels participant in Detroit for years -- and a recipient of a chair grant in the 1990s. McDuffie taught in Detroit Public Schools for 40 years, and she’s grateful for the longevity of DAAA, saying, “Those served by DAAA feel like family, and the fashion show lets us support and promote the agency. Detroit can be like a small town. Here at the GALA, we run into people we haven’t seen in years, and this event is also a time for reconnections and making new friends.”
Audience members enjoyed a catered lunch and good company as well as insightful programming that extends beyond fashion, including wellness, health education,
resources, and community support for older adults confronting chronic illness and the social determinants of health. When DAAA’s CEO, Ronald Taylor, joined the agency seven years ago, he envisioned a Detroit fashion show that would rival the Ebony Fashion Fair shows in Chicago. “Ebony and JET Magazines were staples in my household growing up, and I always recall how the Fashion Fair editions were always the talk around the table for my mother and aunts,” he explained. “And I’m so grateful that Mr. George Murphy, CEO, Total Home Health Aide Services, didn’t laugh me off when I shared my initial thoughts with him, but agreed to utilize his experiences in the entertainment industry to help make this a seminal event.”
Joining Murphy for planning annual GALAs since 2023 were Patrice Turner, widely known as “Ms. Patty,” who has over 60 years of experience in the entertainment industry as a Wardrobe Designer, Theatre Coordinator, and TV/ Movie Producer; and Sabrina Jackson, psychotherapist and local television host known simply as Dr. Sabrina. Together, they are changing how older adults perceive themselves, and they are replacing words like “senior citizens,” “elderly,” and “aged.” They want vibrant individuals in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and up to see themselves as “Amazing Seasoned Citizens,” active in mind, body, and spirit. They want an end to the image of older adults at home in sweatsuits. Instead, they want to see more older people focused on getting out and having more fun -vibrant, engaging individuals who say, “We’re not done yet!”
And while every fashion show has its runway, the runway of life is longevity – living beyond life expectancy with a world of opportunities to look forward to.
For DAAA, aging isn’t just about the years; it’s about the story, the achievements, the contributions, and the journey.
Forever Fly: Style, Swagger & Self-Expression at
Any Age
There’s a certain kind of cool that can’t be bought, borrowed, or mimicked. It’s in the way you walk, the way you speak truth with grace, the way you step out of the house with purpose and presence. For vibrant Black seniors, style is not just about clothes. It’s a declaration of identity. It’s history, joy, and resistance stitched into every hem and accessory.
Being forever fly means more than keeping up with trends. It means honoring your story through what you wear, how you move, and how you show up in the world. And for so many elders in our community, that flyness has never faded. In fact, it’s evolved.
Turn on any social media platform and you’ll find older Black men and women with millions of followers just for being their fabulous, authentic selves. From Sunday slay selfies to throwback photos of their Motown-era style, seniors are commanding attention for all the right reasons. But even before the cameras came, we knew the truth. Our grandmothers were sharp in their hats and church suits. Our uncles had shoes shined so bright you could see your reflection. They knew how to step out and show out.
Today, that legacy continues with a modern twist. Whether it’s silver locs tucked into a printed turban, wide-leg pants and bold kente prints, or classic
This movement toward visible elder style has even inspired younger generations to look to their elders for fashion cues. Granddaughter-grandmother outfit swaps. Instagram reels featuring style advice from seasoned aunties. TikTok videos of dapper grandpas two-stepping in Stacy Adams and suspenders. The intergenerational flyness is real.
But looking good also means feeling good. More seniors are focusing on wellness as part of their personal style journey. That means making time for skincare, movement, hydration, and rest. Glowing skin, clear eyes, and strong posture say just as much as a well-cut blazer.
For men, embracing style after 60 is also about breaking old norms. Gone are the days when Black men were expected to age into invisibility. Today’s mature men are embracing color, jewelry, and expressive grooming. Beards are shaped to perfection. Fedoras make a comeback. There’s even a resurgence of colognes that smell like jazz clubs, wood smoke, and fresh linens.
Adidas paired with a kufi, style is fluid and personal. And after 60, the pressure to conform often melts away. That’s when many folks finally feel free enough to wear exactly what they want.
There’s power in choosing your look. For Black seniors, especially those who lived through decades of social change, fashion has always been more than fabric. It’s a protest. It’s pride. It’s creativity. During the civil rights movement, sharp suits and pressed dresses were a symbol of dignity and defiance. In the ‘70s, afros and dashikis pushed back against respectability politics. And today, vibrant seniors are blending tradition and trend with effortless cool.
At the heart of it all is self-expression. And that doesn’t stop at clothing. Swagger comes through in how you carry yourself, how you speak life over others, and how you keep your head high even when the world tries to count you out. Elders have earned that confidence, and it shines.
Social media has become a surprising runway for this energy. Pages like “Advanced Style” and “Black Seniors Fashion” highlight older adults from around the globe serving fierce looks with zero apologies. Some rock Gucci and custom tailors. Others keep it thrifted and funky. But the common thread is confidence.
And it’s not just about aesthetics. Style becomes an anchor in a world that often shifts fast. Getting dressed can be a form of self-care, especially in times of grief, transition, or healing. That routine of putting yourself together — even just to go to the mailbox — can restore a sense of control and confidence.
It’s also important to note that fashion isn’t just for the thin or the able-bodied. The flyest looks are adaptable. Whether seated in a wheelchair, using a cane, or navigating health changes, style can be reimagined to work for you. Elastic waists, wide sleeves, soft fabrics, and easy closures can still be chic.
And if you’ve ever felt overlooked in fashion stores or catalogs, know that the tide is turning. Black-owned brands are being created for us. Stylists are recognizing our power. Designers are including elders in campaigns, no longer treating age as an afterthought.
Being forever fly is about rejecting the narrative that aging means fading. It’s about deciding that every stage of life is worthy of beauty and boldness. That you can wear color without apology, that your walk has rhythm, that your smile is a style statement in itself.
So keep your drip polished, your edges moisturized, your scent divine, and your spirit grounded. Age doesn’t erase swag. It amplifies it. And if you’ve made it to 60 and beyond, still showing up, still shining, still choosing joy, then baby — you’re not just fly. You’re iconic.
FREE, Online Weight Loss Program for Ages 60+ and Family Caregivers
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a free online weight loss program for people 60 and older and family caregivers that is interactive and inspirational. It has been proven to help people shed pounds, learn strategies for getting healthier, and connect with other people who have the same goals.
This 15-week program, which is tailored to a participant's schedule, includes personal support from a registered dietician and progress tracking.
To get registered, call us at (833) 262-2200, email wellnessprograms@ageways.org, or scan the QR code with a smartphone.
Available to adults 60 and older and family caregivers in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties.
A tablet can be provided at no cost for the duration of the program for those without a computer. Serving
Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties.
Area Agency on Aging 1-B is now AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services.