Brad Hales
Published: May 4, 2008

Do you realize that the oldest living person just turned 115 years of age? Do you realize that the results of a long term study just revealed that older adults tend to be happier than any other age group? Do you realize that one of the candidates running for president is in his late 70’s?

Aging is quickly becoming an exciting issue on the American stage. That’s why its time for us to recognize and honor older adults for their accomplishments, wisdom, and contributions to our community.

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, May is “Older Americans Month.” This recognition of aging, which was first celebrated in 1963, reminds us of the great impact that older adults have in our society. Today, one out of every six people in our country (44 million) is 60 or older. Many of these individuals freely give of their time to make our community a better place to live. Appropriately, the theme for the 2008 “Older Americans Month” is, “Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities.”

Each week, I have the wonderful opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with older adults in Culpeper. What a life-changing experience it has been for me! These seniors have taught me the importance of learning, spending time with friends, exercising, laughter, faith, vitality and enjoying life. I’ve been so impressed with how these “mature adults” continually give of themselves to reach out to others.

Whether it’s through the hospital auxiliary, the local church, mentoring a child, being a grandparent, helping at the food bank, volunteering in other organizations, or just deliberately watching out for one another, these older Americans are making a difference, and bettering the community.

We certainly have a lot to celebrate during Older Americans Month. And one way to celebrate is by attending the Aging Together’s “Community Conversation on Aging” This free event will highlight seniors and their contributions. It will also be an opportunity to hear updates on the progress of the Aging Together partnership in improving services and supports for older adults. This includes a report from the Healthy Culpeper Senior/Adult Committee.

The guest speaker, Mark Williams, MD, will talk about “The Four Secrets of Successful Aging” and Bonnie Vermillion will lead a Lebed Method therapeutic exercise session. The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Daniel Technology Center, with registration at 9:30. Lunch will be provided following the formal program. All seniors and other interested community members are welcome! To RSVP or more information, please call 829-6405.

If you are unable to take part in the Community Conversation but would like to help, Healthy Culpeper Senior Adult Committee is always looking for new members. For more information contact Jenny Biche, the Aging Together Resource Specialist at 825-7615.

For all that they do for our community, please take the time this month to say “thank-you” to an older American.

Brad Hales is the pastor, Reformation Lutheran Church and director, Culpeper Senior Ministry