For our September Special Feature we would like to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.  Learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and access resources through the HHS Office of Minority Health website. 

Visit the HHS Hispanic Heritage Month Official Site 

In honor of Pride month, we have chosen the  virtual gallery Trans Ageing: A Legacy of Visiability created by SAGE in collaboratoin with Trans Equality Consulting, as our June Special Feature. 

 View the Gallery Here

Nobody knows better than our transgender elders what it means to refuse to be invisible. They have been, and continue to be strong, compassionate, and vibrant role models for our community. But far too often, they are left out of the narrative of our history, overlooked, or condemned.

The Trans Legacy Campaign aims to celebrate the vibrancy and resiliency of older transgender community members and increase the representation of transgender elders amidst the ongoing struggles facing the community.

Visit the SAGE website for resources for LGBTQ+ Elders. 

ECIAAA Welcomes Older Americans Month

Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the celebration of OAM. This year’s theme focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose.

While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider:

• Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
• Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
• Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
• Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.

This year, ECIAAA is excited to celebrate OAM with our partners in the aging community. Follow along throughout the month to find resources on aging in place, reducing social isolation, and more.

Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone. Please join ECIAAA in strengthening our community.

For more information, visit the official OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth

SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM 50th ANNIVERSARY

This March, ECIAAA joins the Administration for Community Living and senior nutrition service providers across the country to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program.

Since 1972, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported nutrition services for older adults. Funded by the Older Americans Act, local senior nutrition programs serve as hubs for older adults (60 and older) to access nutritious meals and other vital services that strengthen social connections and promote health and well-being.

Senior nutrition is now more important than ever. Each year in the U.S., up to half of adults age 65 and older are at risk of malnutrition, and more than 10 million face hunger. In communities throughout the U.S. – including our own – older adults sometimes lack access to the high-quality, nutritious food they need to remain healthy and independent.

As part of the Senior Nutrition Program network, our providers help older adults in our community by promoting healthy eating, decreasing social isolation, and improving health. Our programs also provide connections to home and community-based services that can support independence and overall well-being.

For 50 years, senior nutrition services have helped create healthy, strong communities where all members can flourish regardless of their age. That’s why we proudly recognize this milestone anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program and its tremendous impact on the health and well-being of older adults in our community. Join us in celebrating our seniors, our program, and our community. Together, we look forward to another 50 years and beyond!

Find your senior nutrition program provider: 

https://eciaaa.org/.../Services.../Home_Delivered_Meals.pdf