Older Americans Month Champions Choices for Independence

America’s aging population reached a turning point in 2006 when the first of the baby boomers, the nation’s largest generation, started turning 60. As many as 78 million people constitute the baby boom generation, and they stand to make an enormous contribution to the rich character of our communities and change the way we think about aging as they redefine employment, retirement, and civic engagement in later life.  This May, we will once again celebrate Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, Choices for Independence, reflects the continued commitment of the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) and AACOG's Bexar Area Agency on Aging to help our nation prepare for a larger aging population, and to bolster the efforts of baby boomers and older adults to achieve healthy aging.

AoA supports the desire of older adults to live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.  The Bexar Area Agency on Aging is proud to be a part of this effort, recognizing that the combination of independence and choice are essential to the pursuit of quality of life at all ages. Our projects cover a range of issues important to older adults, including health care, diet and physical activity, transportation options, and housing, and plans for retirement and long-term living.

In addition to our day-to-day activities, the Bexar Area Agency on Aging will be hosting a series of special events in celebration of Older Americans Month.  Both the City of San Antonio and Bexar County Commissioners Court will be pronouncing May as Older Americans Month as well as National Ombudsman month in recognition of the volunteers who assist our nation’s most frail seniors living in residential settings. 

Seniors are cordially invited to two events on Friday, May 12, 2006 – an “Alamo Texercise Walk in the Park” and the second annual “Celebration of Seniors Ice Cream Social” to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Brackenridge Park and the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway.  The walk will commence at 1 p.m. from in front of the Witte, and the Ice Cream Social will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Witte with free admission to the museum for persons age 60 and over. Bluebell is providing ice cream and, and cookies are being contributed by Sam’s Club. Entertainment will include dance, song and music. Frost Bank is a key sponsor of this fun, active, and delicious event.

Addressing one of the most critical issues in the aging industry today, the shortage of qualified and trained long-term care workers, Bexar AAA is featuring national expert Judith Clinco at their symposium:  Solutions for A Long-term Care Workforce on Thursday, May 18, 2006 from 7:45 – 11:45 am at the Incarnate Word Extended Care Facility, 4707 Broadway. On May 19, 2006, AACOG is hosting a volunteer recognition luncheon for all volunteers serving the elderly in the AACOG region.  

For more information or to RSVP for any of these events, please call Bexar AAA at (210) 362-5274.