Givens Communities will embrace the month of May as Older Americans Month, an observance led by the Administration for Community Living, a federal agency that supports older adults through research, education, and innovation.

“It is important to think about how we age and opportunities for fulfillment, health and happiness,” said Geoff Cantrell, public relations director with Givens Communities, a Western North Carolina nonprofit organization recognized as a national leader in working to expand possibilities for aging.

“It is equally important to understand the contributions that seniors make – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent and valued for their achievements,” he said. “The involvement of older Americans in many facets of life demonstrates strength, motivation and resilience with results that touch everyone, of any age.”

The White House has issued a proclamation by President Joe Biden recognizing this 60th anniversary of Older Americans Month to honor those whose “lifetimes of hard work, devotion to family, and commitment to community have laid the foundation for the country we are today.

“When President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation recognizing older Americans, approximately a third of seniors lived in poverty, and close to half were without health insurance. Our Nation rallied together to confront this crisis, passing Medicare to deliver affordable, quality health care to our seniors; strengthening Social Security, the bedrock of American retirement; and ultimately raising so many seniors out of poverty. We extended lifespans and provided critical breathing room to Americans who had worked hard their whole lives. But there is still more work to do to ensure that no senior lies in bed at night wondering how they are going to pay for lifesaving drugs, put food on the table, or support their children and grandchildren.”

The theme for 2023 is “Aging Unbound,” which encourages older Americans to invite creativity and purpose into their life by trying new activities in the community; to explore the rewards of growing older; stay engaged in the community and civic roles; and form relationships that enhance the quality of life.

Givens Communities is comprised of four senior living communities in Asheville, Waynesville and Black Mountain, with outreach ministries and partnerships that support older adults and their families. For more information, go to givenscommunities.org.