May is Older Americans Month. Originally established by President Kennedy in 1963, its purpose is to acknowledge and honor the contributions older Americans make to the community and nation. Each year a theme is selected, and this year it is “Connect, Create, Contribute.” Seniors can support this theme by participating in activities that connect them with their communities, create personal growth, and contribute their experience and knowledge to their communities.
Acknowledgement of older Americans and their contributions is not limited to that of the federal government. In April 2017 the Baker administration signed an executive order forming the Governor’s Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts. The advisory council is composed of representatives from education, social services, state offices, and elder advocates. According to an administration press release, “The mission of the advisory council is to support healthy aging and make Massachusetts the most age-friendly state for people of all ages.” In 2018 the advisory council issued a report containing 28 recommendations in the areas of caregiving, employment, housing, and transportation.
The need for more services is underscored by the surge of elder residents in the commonwealth. Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito has stated, “Each municipality across the commonwealth must be prepared to support an aging population.” In Harvard the Council on Aging is the heart of senior services and activities. The COA is one of a statewide network of councils whose activities are coordinated by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA). In addition to its usual work, the Harvard COA will be part of a town work group to look at how Harvard can be made more age-friendly.
The importance of older Americans in Harvard cannot be overstated. A look at the sweep of gray-haired residents participating in town government boards and committees speaks for itself. Long after the events of Older Americans Month are done, the contributions of those honorees will continue. Have a happy Older Americans Month, everybody!
Deb Thomson is a retired elder-law attorney and a member of the board of the Council on Aging.
