Guest column: May is Older Americans Month
Published 7:30 am Thursday, May 25, 2017
May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme is “Age Out Loud.”
Getter older doesn’t mean dropping out of sight or putting life on pause. Today, older people are challenging stereotypes. They are reinventing themselves to put their experiences and knowledge to use, sometimes in new careers, mentoring others, going to school, or trying new activities.
An example, Sister Madonna Buder, the Iron Nun, who ran her first triathlon at 52 and her first Ironman three years later. In 2015, she was inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame and is the oldest person to finish an Ironman at 82.
Continuing a lifetime of public service, 92-year-old President Jimmy Carter was in Seattle last week to work with the Gates Foundation. Another active President, George H.W. Bush, celebrated his 90th birthday by skydiving.
All of us can make lists of friends and family who are aging and living rich lives.
Washington’s over 1.5 million older Americans contribute richly to our communities. Locally, 3.9 percent of Snoqualmie residents are 65 or older. In North Bend, 16 percent are over 65.
We are fortunate to live in a state which promotes home-based and community-based services that support independent living and encourage older adults to engage with their communities.
This month, let’s celebrate the new voice of older Americans as they take charge of their health and explore new opportunities and activities focusing on independence with the support of family caregivers and age-friendly communities.
