Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The theme for 2024 is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.
How to Celebrate Older Americans Month
- Spend time with seniors in the community and listen to their stories
- Volunteer at senior centers or nursing homes
- Attend Older Americans Month events
- Donate to organizations that support elder needs
- Post positive messages about older adults on social media.
Facts about mental, physical, and emotional health.
- Having friends and other social connections is good for your health and wellbeing.
- Being lonely or isolated can affect your mental, emotional and physical health.
- Older people who remain connected with others and have strong relationships are likely to have a better quality of life.
Social connection that can help prevent serious illness and outcomes like:
- Heart disease.
- Stroke.
- Dementia.
- Depression and anxiety.
Resources and Organizations
Organizations that provide Meals on Wheels
- Detroit Area Agency On Aging
- Detroit Area Agency on Aging 1- B
- The Senior Alliance
- Wayne Dept of Senior Service
- Detroit Area Agency on Aging 1- B
- The Senior Alliance
- Wayne Dept of Senior Service
Meals on Wheels is a state and federally funded program that provides nutrition-based meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities living in Detroit, the five Grosse Pointes, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, and Highland Park.
Participants May Choose to Receive:
- A hot meal delivered once per day Monday through Friday, or five frozen meals delivered once per week.
- The program also offers liquid nutrition for those who are unable to eat solid foods and have a prescription from their physician.
- 60 years of age or older
- Homebound and unable to leave the home without assistance
- Unable to prepare meals by him or herself
- Unable to participate in the Congregate Meal Program
- Able to feed him or herself
- No caregiver available or willing to prepare meals on a regular basis
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm#:~:text=Social%20connection%2
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-health-and-mental-health#:~:text=Physical%20health%20problems%20significantly%20increase,most%20often%20depression%20or%20anxiety.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-health-and-mental-health#:~:text=Physical%20health%20problems%20significantly%20increase,most%20often%20depression%20or%20anxiety.