Celebrating Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month was celebrated in May. This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” aimed to encourage older adults to explore a wide range of activities that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Johnson County Aging and Human Services enthusiastically embraced this theme by hosting Lunch & Learn events designed to engage and enrich the lives of our senior community members.
Throughout May, AHS held four distinct Lunch & Learn events, each tailored to offer unique experiences and opportunities for learning and connection.
The series kicked off with a container gardening event at the Sunset Office Building in Olathe. Attendees enjoyed a hands-on gardening session where they planted a variety of flowers in containers they could take home. The event not only provided a creative outlet but also emphasized the therapeutic benefits of gardening. The joy of nurturing plants and the satisfaction of seeing them grow brought smiles to many faces.
The celebration then moved to the Ernie Miller Nature Park for a day of outdoor adventure. Participants were treated to a captivating wildlife presentation followed by a 30-minute nature walk. This event offered a perfect blend of education and exercise as attendees explored the beauty of the local environment and learned about the diverse wildlife inhabiting the park. The fresh air and natural surroundings provided a refreshing change of pace and underscored the importance of staying active and connected with nature.
The third event at the Monticello Library in Shawnee focused on genealogy. This session delved into the fascinating world of historical records and family histories. Participants were guided through the basics of tracing lineages and exploring their family trees. The class fostered a sense of connection and pride as participants learned ways to discover more about their ancestors.
The final Unspoken Symphony event was at the Sunset Office Building. Attendees engaged in a distinctive artistic experience that combined visual art and music. Participants created pieces of art that were transformed into unique melodies, illustrating the powerful connection between different forms of creative expression. This innovative event highlighted the boundless possibilities of artistic exploration and the joy of discovering new talents.
The success of the Lunch & Learn events demonstrated the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our older adult community. As we celebrated Older Americans Month, we were reminded of the incredible contributions and resilience of our senior population. Aging and Human Services remains committed to providing enriching programs and activities that support the well-being and growth of our older residents.
For more information on upcoming events and programs, please visit our website or contact Jill Zink at 913-715-8860. Let’s continue to celebrate and support our older adults, fostering a community where everyone is powered by connection.