Older Americans Month was established by the Administration for Community Living, which is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The administration felt that adults aged 55 or older were in need of a special monthly recognition to highlight their importance in our communities and our lives. In 1976, they designated May as Older Americans Month.

According to an official Presidential Proclamation on Older Americans Month, 2019, “Older Americans enrich our lives in innumerable ways. Their diverse experiences and time-tested wisdom guide younger generations, connect them with our country’s history, and empower them with the confidence to face the future.”

Each year, the Older Americans Month has a special theme that is meant to inspire, encourage, and empower senior adults. This year’s theme is “Connect, Create, Contribute” and it focuses on:

• Connecting with friends, family, and community services that promote participation
• Engaging in activities that promote creativity and personal enrichment
• Contributing time, talents or donations that are beneficial to the community

A growing number of older Americans call Grand Oaks of Jensen Beach their home, and they enrich our community and our lives through their diverse life experiences and valuable knowledge. The spirit of Older Americans Month is present here every day, and we encourage our residents to connect, create and contribute in many ways. Our regularly scheduled activities promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and include brain-challenging puzzles, music therapy, painting classes, exercise classes, and much more.

We also provide older adults an opportunity to be actively engaged in their surrounding communities. We offer regular trips to local restaurants, parks, historical points of interest and shopping centers, where our residents can connect with members of their community, family members and friends.

Providing older Americans with opportunities to learn, experience, lead, and mentor enhances their lives and the lives of those around them. We urge everyone to take time during Older Americans Month to recognize senior adults as essential and valuable members of our community. We at Grand Oaks of Jensen Beach are committed to strengthening our community by connecting with and supporting older adults, their families and caregivers, and we acknowledging their many valuable contributions to society—this month and every month. Happy Older Americans Month from Grand Oaks of Jensen Beach!

For more information or to schedule a tour of Grand Oaks of Jensen Beach, visit www.grandoaksjensenbeach.com or call 772-209-3119.