Older Americans Month 2022: Age My Way!

“Age My Way” is something Age Well is very passionate about, and it’s also this year’s theme for Older Americans Month an annual celebration promoted across the country by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).

Our staff and volunteers provide Vermonters with the necessary support to manage their daily living needs, with the goal of keeping them active, healthy, independent, and at home where they want to be.

Older adults play an important role in our communities as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, leaders, members of the workforce, and so much more. It is important that we celebrate each person’s uniqueness and ensure they age the way that best suits them, because there is no right way to age!

Although Age My Way looks different for different people, the ACL suggests several ways people can consider:

  • Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
  • Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
  • Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
  • Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.

How Age Well helps you to Age My Way:

Age Well is committed to reducing barriers by providing access to healthy meals, in-home care, and community resources that are designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, their families, and caregivers.

Planning

Age Well is equipped to help make an independent lifestyle a reality. We provide older adults and their families with excellent resources to learn about the options available to plan for their future needs.

These resources include Meals on Wheels, care transitions, Choices for Care, options counseling, falls prevention, Medicare counseling, HomeMeds, and more.

Learn more and plan for your future or the future of your loved ones: Age Well’s Services

Engagement

Engage with and help those around you by giving your time and impacting a life. Volunteer with Age Well with opportunities such as friendly visits, grocery shopping, delivering Meals on Wheels, and much more. Help take care of those who once took care of us. Learn more about volunteering with Age Well.

For more ways to give, visit our website: Giving Back

If someone you know needs assistance, connect them with Age Well and we will ensure they stay healthy and independent as long as possible. Contact the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

Access

Age Well has partnered with GetSetUp, an online learning channel that provides Vermont residents who are 60 and older with free access to live interactive online classes taught by older adults for older adults. Learners can choose from a catalog of over 3,000 classes that shift weekly and are available around the clock for the next year, to make digital learning, connection, and exploration a reality. To learn more about GetSetUp and enroll in your classes, visit https://www.getsetup.io/partner/vermont.

There are also activities and exercises such as Tai Chi that will help to improve your balance, mobility, and strength. While there are no in-person classes at this time, Tai Chi Vermont is offering online Zoom classes to those interested in participating from home. Find Tai Chi Vermont classes.

Connection

Connect with Age Well and let us know how you are learning or helping others, to Age My Way. Follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

Connect with other Vermonters through GetSetUp. This online learning channel empowers older adults to learn new stills, and meet new people. Their classes range from dancing and art, to learning about budgeting and business, to technology tips and tricks. Sign up for these free classes today: https://www.getsetup.io/partner/vermont

Questions or concerns? Call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

More Older Americans Month Resources:

Administration for Community Living: Older Americans Month 2022 

SAGE Advocacy Services for LGBTQ+ Elders: Empowering LGBTQ+ Elders to Age Their Way 

Diverse Elders Coalition: Older Americans Month and the Role of Older Adults in Our Lives 

White House: A Proclamation on Older Americans Month, 2022