In tough times, communities find strength in people—and people find strength in their communities. In the past year, we’ve seen this time and again in City of Lafayette as friends, neighbors, and businesses have found new ways to support each other.
In our community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, they have built resilience that helps them to face new challenges. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.
Strength is built and shown not only by bold acts, but also small ones of day-to-day life—a conversation shared with a friend, working in the garden, trying a new recipe, or taking time for a cup of tea on a busy day. And when we share these activities with others—even virtually or by telling about the experience later—we help them build resilience too.
This year, City of Lafayette will celebrate OAM by encouraging community members to share their experiences. Together, we can find strength—and create a stronger future.
Here are some ways to share and connect:
Look for joy in the everyday:
Celebrate small moments and ordinary pleasures by taking time to recognize them.
- Join us for an outdoor walk along Inspire trial. Park at the Park in Ride, near City hall. May 11, 2021, 9am. Dress accordingly for the weather, water bottle and masks. Walking is a wonderful way to encourage health and wellness while building inner strength. No registration required.
- Spellbinders Storytelling Topic- Heroes and Heroines” Stories help us make sense of our world, impart a lesson, pass down history, and more. They teach us to love, to forgive, to be just and to strive for better than we have. Join Spellbinders trained veteran storytellers and new volunteers as they bring a variety of story genres to life. You’ll also discover how Spellbinders develop their craft through the use of sound, rhythm and repetition to paint memorable word pictures.
- Pre-registration required for this free program on May 21, 2021 from 10-11am.
- Click on this link to register.
Reach out to neighbors:
Even if you cannot get together in person right now, you can still connect with your neighbors. Leave a small gift on their doorstep, offer to help with outdoor chores, or deliver a home-cooked meal.
- Join us for a special Lafayette Senior Social Hour on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 1pm. Email us at olderadults@lafayetteco.gov to sign up for the Zoom invite.
Build new skill:
Learning something new allows us to practice overcoming challenges. Take an art course online or try a socially distanced outdoor movement class to enjoy learning with others in your community. Have a skill to share? Find an opportunity to teach someone, even casually.
- Sign up for “iPad, iPhone & Android Tips for Low Vision Users”- May 18, 2-3:30pm If you have low vision and struggle to use your technology devices, join Ensight Skills Center for hands on learning of how to use the vision accessibility features of iPads, iPhones and Androids. Learn how easy it is to use touch, voice and display features; use accessibility features like audio descriptions for videos, wallpaper for better contrast and visibility, and enhanced display and text size; helpful apps and more.
- Click here to Register by May 13
Share your story:
There is a reason storytelling is a time-honored activity. Hearing how others experience the world helps us grow.
- Stories will be shared in the May Senior Spotlight.
- Click on this link to sign up for our Newsletter-Senior Spotlight
When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences—through action, story, or service—we help build strong communities. That is something to celebrate! Please join the City of Lafayette in strengthening our community].
Contact Dana Bellomy or 303-665-9052.