The Administration for Community Living (ACL) believes that when older adults and communities stay connected, everyone wins. That’s why Connect is the first step in their three-part theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2019: Connect, Create, Contribute. OAM is celebrated each May and provides opportunities for people of all ages to connect and participate in a larger conversation about aging in America — a conversation that is increasingly important as the number of older Americans continues to increase.

In 2000, 46 million Americans were over the age of 60. By 2020, that number is expected to reach more than 77 million. To prepare for future generations, we must invest today in the network of services that will support an aging population. One way we can do that is by connecting — connecting older adults with services, connecting community members with one another, and connecting research with programs that lead to innovative ideas for the future.

Connection takes many forms, from one-on-one contacts between neighbors to social and educational community programs. Communities can empower their older members by reaching out with information about essential services and personal enrichment opportunities. The Eldercare Locator, a public service of ACL’s Administration on Aging, is a great place to start. It can connect you to a variety of local services for older adults and their families.

Connection can also happen more informally by sitting down to an intergenerational meal or encouraging older adults to share their experiences through storytelling or other artistic endeavors. It can also mean just taking time to chat with family friends and neighbors. These informal connections improve quality of life and encourage important support systems for all of us. If you have ideas about ways to connect with our older population, please reach us by phone 719-589-3277 or email [email protected].

For more resources to build connections in your community this month and every month, go to www.acl.gov/oam/2019/resources. Our local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is also a wonderful resource and can be reached at 719-589-4511.

Future Events:

Friday, May 17, the Senior van will depart at 9 a.m. for a fun day in Del Norte. Starting off at the Rio Grande Museum and after the self-guided tour, venture over to have a scrumptious lunch at the Historic Windsor Hotel. The museum offers visitors a look into the cultural history of the area including the Native Americans, mountain men fur trappers, settlers from New Mexico, gold seekers, farmers, ranchers and merchants who came for land, freedom and a better way of life and Mexican land grants. Many came for the adventure. One of Colorado’s oldest hotels, the Windsor, occupies nearly one half of a city block in the heart of Del Norte. Its construction started soon after the town was founded in 1871. The town of Del Norte was a booming mining and ranching center in the last quarter of the 1800s and on the short list for the capital of Colorado when Denver got the final nod. The Windsor became the main social and commercial center of the area and remained a regional gathering spot for over 100 years. Cost for the trip is $5 with lunch on your own. Place your reservation soon as seating is limited! 719-589-3277.

We will also be traveling to the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio May 29 – 30. Please call for more information and to reserve your space.

The following weekly activities are for all seniors whether you are a member or not. Please come and join us. All classes are free unless otherwise noted. If you have suggestions for a new class or group, please let us know.

Billiards play

Coffee social hour at 8:30 a.m.

Puzzle construction

M, W & F Strong Bones at 9:30 a.m. Participants enjoy many health benefits such as: improved bone density, reduction of falls, improved flexibility, and increased strength. You are welcome to join at any time!

Dime Bingo, Mon.-Thurs. from 1 to 3 p.m. Free to members. $2 fee for non-members.

Tai Chi with Lyn Johnson Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday evenings at 5:30 Monday evenings.

Free five-point ear acupuncture conducted by Rick Wertz each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for veterans and seniors 50 & over. On Tuesday, May 21 Wertz will be out of town and acupuncture will resume the following week, on Tuesday, May 28. Those who participate note less stress and anxiety, and better sleep.

Sewing group (includes knitting, crocheting, quilting and anything you want to work on) meets each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and the Mah Jongg group at 1p.m.

Art class with Rosi Myers meets each Thursday at 10 a.m. Each class will offer something new and you may join in at any time. Everyone is an artist, so join us and have fun being creative.

Dominoes - Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us. Regular annual membership is $30 per person or for an Ambassador membership $100 per person. Members receive a monthly newsletter with a calendar of events, timely information, challenging activities and lunch menu. We are located at 92 Colorado in Alamosa adjacent to Cole Park. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 719-589-3277 for more information