HomePublicationPasadenaOlder Adulthood Should Be Embraced, Celebrated

Older Adulthood Should Be Embraced, Celebrated

By Sandy Greenstein
Special to The Outlook

Myths, assumptions and stereotypes about older adults abound, even two decades into the 21st century: Most are disconnected from the mainstream, stuck in the past, a crotchety and feeble bunch, no longer bring value to the workplace … and the list goes on. The fact is that older Americans today in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond are leading longer, healthier lives than their parents and grandparents ever could have hoped for.
Even the terminology has changed: Terms such as “elderly” and “senior citizens” now bear the stigma of dependence and being pushed aside. These terms have been largely replaced by “older adults,” which translates to independence, experience and wisdom. Language matters.
I would like to see an even larger number of people who are adding years to their lives by adding life to their years. To achieve this, social structures, roles and institutions must be in place for the benefit of all older adults.
This is why senior centers are so important. They serve as community focal points and have become one of the most widely used services among America’s older adults. The Pasadena Senior Center serves more than 10,000 older adults every year. This is not your grandmother’s senior center where bingo, shuffleboard and sitting around in rockers reminiscing about the olden days were de rigueur. Older adults today want to be engaged, enriched and empowered, improve or maintain their health, enjoy active lifestyles and social interaction, take classes relevant to today’s world, access resources for social services and so much more. Akila Gibbs, executive director of the center, has provided innovative and energetic leadership to make it the vital community asset it is today.
As the center begins its 60th year as an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that receives no financial assistance from any government agency, our goal is to sustain programs and services for another 60 years and beyond. These will always include special services for those who are frail, low-income and homebound.
I invite everyone to visit pasadenaseniorcenter.org or stop by 85 E. Holly St. in Pasadena and explore opportunities for learning, camaraderie, creativity, culture, fitness and more. In light of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, the center is currently operating on a limited basis. Programs that allow for social distancing of 3 feet will continue for now, including weekday hot lunches, vital social services and certain classes and activities. Other events have been put on hold. More information can be found on the website (click on COVID-19 Safety Information).
Life expectancy between 1920 and 2020 has increased by more than 30% in the U.S. Let us capitalize on these extra years to shape the trajectory of our lives in a way that improves our well-being and opportunities for a more fulfilling time to come.
There is no reason to shy away from the realities of older adulthood and the great potential this season of life represents. The earlier we embrace these realities, the better we can plan for a bright future.

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