This May is the annual Older Americans Month as declared by the federal government and celebrated by seniors and the providers who serve them. This year’s theme is Communities of Strength, “recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.” We believe that it is essential to know that seniors not only built the communities which we enjoy but allowed us to stand on their shoulders when it comes to careers, families and leading a life of meaning.
This year, more than ever, we need to reach out to others and become a source of strength or simply a sounding board. This has been a very challenging year for all of us, some more than others. Yet, in the midst of our sorrows and fears, survivors have tapped into their resilience and their compassion for others. There is no doubt that our society will be very changed – in bad ways and in good.
Let’s all be a part of the movement for good. Have patience for others since they may be fighting many challenges. Reach out to neighbors and friends to make sure they are okay. Donate what you can to lighten the load for another human being. Most of all, be kind to yourself since you deserve that too. PVM has been working to maintain connection via remote learning, activities and celebrations.
Let’s hope and pray that next year we can once again celebrate in person. One lesson from what we have all experienced is that connection is what we have missed the most – more so than any material possessions.
