An Invitation to an Online Conversation
A Time to Listen, Share and Help Friends FOCUS on How to Age My Way
This year, PYM is pleased to celebrate Older Adults Month with a conversation hosted by Sheila Sorkin, PYM Aging Support Coordinator. The conversation (on Zoom) will center the theme of, “A Time To Listen, Share, and Help Friends FOCUS on How to Age My Way. It will be a time to listen and share ideas for building a proactive focus on aging within PYM. Ensuring that older adult Friends are involved and included in the PYM Community Engagement program planning is a goal! Having input and sharing new ideas for education, health and involvement will be valued!
Register for the May 25 event (7-8pm) →
Older adults are a vital part of our local meetings, Quarters, and the Yearly Meeting community. As family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more, our older adults have many roles that impact their communities. Just as every person is unique, so is how we age and how we impact others. Older Americans Month (OAM) was established in 1963 when only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. In a 2020 report prepared by the Administration on Aging (AoA), part of the Administration for Community Living, an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it was reported that there were 54.1 million Americans over the age of 65.
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the celebration of Older Adults Month. The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. This year’s theme focus is on how older adults can age in their communities, live independently for as long as possible and participate in ways they choose.
While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone in PYM can consider:
- Planning: FOCUS and think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
- Engagement: FOCUS on individual wellness and involvement with others. Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer and/or civic participation opportunities.
- Access: FOCUS on making home improvements and modifications, using assistive technologies, and customized supports to help you better age in place versus decision making for seeking alternative housing.
- Connection: FOCUS on maintaining social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your communities, including the spiritual community of your meeting.
This article was prepared by Sheila Sorkin, PYM Aging Support Coordinator to provide support to those in our aging community members in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as part of the To Brighten Your Day series.
