By Donna Rule / Chronicle contributor
April 28, 2008 03:14 pm
—
The United States is nearing the start of a tremendous demographic shift. Beginning in 2011, the first of 78 million Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) will start transitioning into retirement, kicking off an expansion in the number of elderly people that will continue for decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of every nine baby boomers will live to be at least age 90.
Our nation will benefit in many ways from a larger population of older adults, a group that constitutes one of our greatest resources. Older adults support our society by providing millions of hours of volunteer, community, and civic service through formal
organizations and a variety of informal arrangements. They enhance our communities and personal lives by sharing and transferring knowledge of cultures, values, and life experiences among generations. Thankfully, the contributions of older adults will continue to flourish in the coming years, since older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be among the most active and engaged older adult populations in our nations history.
An expanding older adult population also spotlights our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our older citizens. As a nation, we are working diligently to address older adults unique health and long-term care challenges. The thousands of professionals, caregivers, and volunteers that make up the National Aging Services Network have been collaborating in innumerable ways for decades to fulfill the mission of the Older Americans Act. Led by the U.S. Administration on Aging, the network is now engaged in modernizing systems of care to provide consumers with more control over their lives.
May is Older Americans Month, a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults. This years theme is Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities, which speaks to the opportunities we have to create better care and reinforce healthier societies for all ages. Working together, our communities can improve older adults overall quality of life by helping them:
Make behavioral changes in their lifestyles that can reduce risk of disease, disability, and injury.
Obtain the tools they need to make informed decisions about, and gain better access to, existing health and long-term care options in their communities.
Have more options to avoid placement in nursing homes and remain at home as long as possible
Americans of all ages and backgrounds can celebrate Older Americans Month. Contact Fair Park or your local Agency on Aging and volunteer for activities in your area, promote community, state and national efforts to serve older adults, and find ways to enrich the lives of the older adults who touch your life. By working together we can improve the health and well being of our nations older adults and pave the way for future generations.
To keep informed about Fair Parks activities and to learn about its partnerships with its corporate sponsors for 2008, you can visit the center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit the centers Web site at www.fairparkseniorcenter.org to keep up-to-date on the latest programs and activities that are being offered as well as on-line versions of the centers monthly newsletter Newsline. Take advantage of the resources that Fair Park offers get involved, and become part of the fun!
Wednesday, April 30
9 a.m. Blood pressure check by CMC Home Health.
10 a.m. Surprise bingo.
12 p.m. Canasta.
12:30 p.m. Creative Quilters.
1 p.m. Beginning computers with Glenna King class full.
1 p.m. Guitar forum with Jack Melling.
1 p.m. Cribbage with Andy Bertolino.
1 p.m. Scrapbooking on hiatus.
2:30 p.m. Live Right For Your Type with Larry Nesbit.
Thursday, May 1
8 a.m. Table tennis.
10 a.m. Veggie bingo.
10 a.m. Beginning Computers with Norm Zaenger class full.
10:30 a.m. Mother's Day Roses presentation by Uplands.
11:45 a.m. AARP Tax Aide volunteer appreciation.
12:30 p.m. Crafting with Sandy Davis.
12:30 p.m. Bridge Bunch.
1 p.m. Ceramics with Eileen O'Barsky.
1 p.m. Euchre with Tommy Cole.
2 p.m. Senior chess club open play, everyone welcome.
6:30 p.m. Live Right For Your Type with Larry Nesbit.
Friday, May 2
10 a.m. Birthday, anniversary and newcomers celebration.
10:15 a.m. Volunteer teacher appreciation.
10:30 a.m. Eye Centers of Tennessee bingo.
12:30 p.m. Bridge class.
Monday, May 5
8 a.m. Table tennis.
9 a.m. Electric guitar for beginners.
10 a.m. Electric guitar for intermediate players.
10 a.m. Veggie bingo.
12 p.m. Pinochle.
12:30 p.m. Bridge Bunch.
1 p.m. Painting with the masters Glenna King.
1 p.m. Cribbage with Andy Bertolino everyone welcome.
6:30 p.m. Eat Right For Your Type with Larry Nesbit.
Tuesday, May 6
8:30 a.m. TOPS meeting.
8:45 a.m. Van trip to the Smokies.
9 a.m. Line dancing.
10 a.m. ER4YT with Larry Nesbit.
10 a.m. Advanced Tai Chi with Diane Parvin.
11 a.m. Beginner Tai Chi with Angie Bedard everyone welcome.
12:30 p.m. Ceramics class with Ida Wiley.
2 p.m. Learning origami with Marge Hofknecht and Patricia Westerfield.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
Fair Park and its sponsors provide health education, volunteer opportunities, recreation, and other services to area seniors.