Area Agency on Aging to Host Five Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host five celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.

OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year's theme focuses on empowering older adults on how planning, participation, accessibility, and making connections all play a role in aging in place – emphasizing that what each person needs and prefers is unique.

"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 – and there is no 'right' way. That's why the theme for Older Americans Month 2022 is Age My Way. We hope you join us at one of our community events. Come learn how you can engage with friends, family, and through community activities to enrich your health and well-being!" said ETCOG's Director of the AAA, Colleen Halliburton.

The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors:

• May 13th at the Gilmer Area Senior Center, located at 206 Silver Alley in Gilmer, at 12:00 PM
• May 19th at the Tyler Senior Center, located at 1915 Garden Valley Road in Tyler, from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
• May 20th at the Henderson Community Center, located at 302 Fair Park Avenue in Henderson, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• May 24th at the Henderson County Senior Center, located at 3344 State Hwy. 31 E. in Athens, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• · May 24th at the Gregg County Extension Office, located at 405 East Marshall Avenue in Longview, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.