Older Americans Month 2016

Winning Stories

Older Americans Month 2016: “Blaze a Trail”

Older adults are a growing and increasingly vital part of our country. The contributions they make to our communities are varied, deeply rooted, and include influential roles in the nation’s economy, politics, and the arts. From 69-year-old NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Jr. to 84-year-old actress Rita Moreno to 83-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who took her seat as a Supreme Court Justice at age 60, older adults are blazing trails in all aspects of American life.

In 1963, we began to acknowledge the contributions of older people by using the month of May to celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM). Led by the Administration for Community Living, the annual observance offers the opportunity to learn about, support, and celebrate our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Blaze a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and new passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.

While Janet Goeske Foundation provides 160+ weekly programs to older adults year-round, we will use OAM 2016 to focus on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to blaze trails of our own.

Are You a Trailblazer?

We want to hear your story! How are you “blazing a trail” as an older adult?

1) Write a story about your contributions – giving back to the community, starting a new career or hobby, whatever makes you feel like a trailblazer.

Please Note: Stories should be between 300-500 words and typed/written neatly.

2) Submit your story by May 20th at 2pm – you can bring your story to the center or email it to Kate at kpanepinto@jgf4seniors.org

3) Stories will be read by 3 impartial judges (not staff) and a winner chosen.

4) The winner’s story will be posted on our website and in the June Pacesetter.