How to Explore Diverse Aging Experiences
Older Adults Can Combat Stereotypes About Seniors
Last month, we celebrated Older Americans Month, which is led by the Administration of Community Living (ACL). The ACL was “created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.”
Their mission and vision is aligned with the work that we do every day at McGregor and McGregor PACE. We want to empower older adults with the freedom and independence to live their very best lives—and not only during Older Americans Month. We believe that it is so important to talk freely about the stereotypes that exist in aging services and how we can create more diverse aging experiences for seniors in Greater Cleveland.
In the spirit of the 2023 theme, Aging Unbound, we want to celebrate how the entire community benefits from the engagement and inclusion of our older adults. If you are an older adult, you can personally help us change the narrative on aging:
- Embrace opportunities to change and grow.
You are never done growing, and it is never too late to find a new passion, take an adventure, and push your personal boundaries. Do not let your age define your limitations. - Explore all of the rewards of growing older.
Of course, there are physical challenges as we age, but with age also comes a great deal of knowledge, confidence, and insight. Don’t stop learning—continue to grow your knowledge through creative activities like reading, listening to others or podcasts, taking classes, and more. - Stay engaged in your community.
Your community and neighborhood will benefit from your engagement: volunteering, mentoring, participating in social clubs or activities, and more. - Form new relationships.
When we get out of our comfort zone and talk to new people, we expose ourselves to new ideas and perspectives that can challenge our thinking and help us form deeper connections with others.
How are you breaking the stigma around aging and changing the narrative in your community?
If you would like to learn more about the work we do at McGregor, please reach out to our team.
