Celebrating our senior citizens

I have always enjoyed the company of senior citizens.

I was fortunate enough to not only have my grandparents, but my great grandparents as well.

Having said that, I was remiss in not writing this column last week.

May was National Older Americans Month.

I’ll go ahead and celebrate them in June. Actually, I’ll celebrate them every month.

I celebrate their lives and innumerable contributions to our communities, and recognize the unique challenges this population faces.

We are very fortunate in Kennett to have the Oaks Nutrition Center.

Administrator Laura Ford and her team do a wonderful job providing meals and services to our seniors.

Not all communities have this. Not all seniors are able to get to the OAKS.

Loneliness and isolation greatly affect older individuals, and both have been shown to be connected with poor health outcomes, including risk of premature death, anxiety, depression, suicide, dementia and more.

This is especially true since the COVID pandemic.

It’s important that we all are aware of this.

Make a connection with these seniors.

This could include making phone calls, write letters, and emails.

Volunteer.

Want to give back?

Spend your time supporting an elderly neighbor or volunteer at a local nursing home or assisted living facility.

Make an effort to ensure that your community is age-friendly.

Help improve access to housing, give support to the caregivers, and assist with community engagement activities.

No matter what you do, honor and recognize the accomplishments and contributions of older adults across our area.

Believe me, the look of joy on their faces will be well worth it.

See you out there.