Older Americans Month 2017: Age Out Loud

Getting older doesn’t mean what it used to. For many aging Americans, it is a phase of life where interests, goals, and dreams can get a new or second start. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and living the way that suits you best – it’s something we see daily at all Methodist Retirement Communities in Texas.

Take Dr. Abraham Clearfield, for example. The 89-year-old scientist lives in our Arbor Oaks Independent Living Community at Crestview in Bryan. He still shows up for work every week in the Department of Chemistry labs at Texas A&M University. His current project:  Researching the ability of nano-chemistry catalysts to provide more effective treatments for cancer.

At our PineCrest Retirement Community in Lufkin, 100-year-old John Woodside recently won the Volunteer of the Year Award from Leading Age Texas for his weekly volunteer tutoring at the local community college to help would-be students pass their GED tests.

Last year, Daisy Ilakovich, who lives in the MRC Cornerstone Retirement Community in Texarkana, celebrated her 100th birthday by dancing with the Cornerstone Line Dancers, a group of women residents who like to ham it up to music on a weekly basis. And today Daisy is still going strong!

At Creekside Retirement Community in Huntsville, Vern Lathrop was as pleased as punch to make an Honor Flight to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC in 2015, when he was 100 years old. After landing on Normandy Beach in 1945, turning 102 this July will be yet another victory.

These are just a few examples of the many older Americans we see living out their lives with purpose and passion within in the comfort and reassurance of our communities.  We applaud all Americans over 65 who have given so much to younger generations – television, computers, medical breakthroughs, and more. We owe them a deep debt of thanks as they continue to inspire us every day.

Since 1963, OAM has been a time to celebrate older Americans, their stories, and their contributions. The annual observance offers a special opportunity to learn about, support, and recognize our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Age Out Loud,” emphasizes the ways older adults are living their lives with boldness, confidence, and passion while serving as an inspiration to people of all ages.

All Methodist Retirement Communities will be observing Older Americans Month in a variety of ways throughout the month of May 2017. Join us as we speak up for #OAM17 and #AgeOutLoud this May!