Crenshaw County Extension celebrates older Americans Month

By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Crenshaw County Extension office hosted its third annual Senior May Day event at the Tom Harbin Ag Center May 24, bringing together senior citizens from the Luverne, Brantley, Honoraville, Dozier and Bradleyton – Helicon Senior Centers for a day filled with games, bingo, cake walks, flower planting, music, prizes, a catered meal from The Chicken Shack and more.

The event was held in conjunction with Older Americans Month, as proclaimed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on May 9. In her proclamation, Ivey urged Alabamians to recognize older adults and those who serve them as essential and valuable community members.

Crenshaw County Extension Coordinator Amanda West Evans expressed gratitude to the community sponsors who contributed to the event.

“We love to see our senior citizens having fun and enjoying themselves,” Evans said. “It is truly a rewarding experience to be able to brighten their day and celebrate them. We appreciate everyone who helps make this event possible each year. It definitely takes support to pull the event off, but our community never disappoints.”

May Day featured a variety of games and activities. Participants also engaged in strength and mobility exercises using scarves, resulting in a full-body workout.

Beyond fun and games, vendors provided valuable information on services that help senior citizens live independently longer. Organizations such as South Central Alabama Mental Health, Aveanna, Luverne Health and Rehabilitation Center, Crowne Health Care, Southern Care, South Central Alabama Development Commission and Amedisys Home Health also offered attendees items like water bottles, pens, notebooks, flashlights, hand sanitizer and more.

Each May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads the national observance of Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” highlighted the profound impact of meaningful connections on the well-being and health of older adults, emphasizing the healing effects of social connection and community.

“It’s not just about having someone to chat with,” said Jean Brown, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS). “It’s about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical and emotional well-being.”

Brown noted that recognizing and nurturing the role of connectedness can mitigate loneliness and promote healthy aging.

The Crenshaw County Extension office encourages senior citizens to embrace a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle by exploring new passions, engaging in their communities, embarking on adventures and forming meaningful relationships.

For more information on the services provided by ADSS, individuals can visit www.AlabamaAgeline.gov . To learn more on Older Americans Month, visit https://acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024 .

The post Crenshaw County Extension celebrates older Americans Month appeared first on Luverne Journal .