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Age Strong, Live Long!

By April 26, 2010No Comments

Sixth Annual SeniorPalooza Returns to West Roxbury in Honor of Older Americans Month! 

WEST ROXBURY,MA(April 26, 2010) – During the month of May in honor of Older Americans Month, Ethos will present the sixth Annual SeniorPalooza, a series of fun, free and informative activities, organized by local elected officials, businesses and organizations, specifically for elders and their support circles.

This year marks the return of SeniorPalooza to West Roxbury area where it first originated in 2005. SeniorPalooza has also been held in Roslindale in 2006, Hyde Park in 2007, Mattapan in 2008 and Jamaica in 2009.

SeniorPaloonza celebrates older Americans and acknowledges their value as members of our community,” states Dale Mitchell, Ethos Executive Director. “It also demonstrates how well the community can work together to keep elders at home, in their own neighborhoods, where they want to remain.”

Each year, the month of May is proclaimed Older Americans Month throughout the nation in celebration of the achievements and contributions of the nation’s older persons. The U.S. Administration on Aging theme for this year’s Older American Month is Age Strong! Live Long!–recognizing the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans that spans three generations. Remarkable achievements such as pioneering new technologies, spearheading a cultural revolution to securing equal rights for minorities, women, and disables Americans has more than demonstrated the strength and character of older Americans.

However, contributions of older Americans are not only in the past. Nowadays, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors. They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services. Their energy and commitment remind all Americans to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.

As we have done for the past six years, we are honoring the contributions of all older Americans with a community-wide celebration, SeniorPalooza, complete with parties, educational programs, physical activities and entertainment throughout the month. SeniorPalooza is also another way to demonstrate how the community can work together to improve the health and well being of older adults and pave the way for better health as we age in our communities.

There will be 65 plus events this May in West Roxbury! Highlights include:

  • Month-long Art Exhibit called “Seniors in Art” at the West Roxbury Library kicked off by an Opening Reception, sponsored by the Roslindale Arts Alliance, on May 6.
  • An Afternoon of Karaoke and Music on May 4
  • Young@Heart, an Afternoon at the Movies with WRMS on May 5
  • RocheCenter Café 20th Anniversary Party on May 7
  • Lilac Monday with State Representative Mike Rush on May 10
  • Building Caregiver Health and Resiliency on May 11
  • City Councilors Tobin and Connolly Bring Fenway to the Elks Club on May 12
  • Lively Living Fair for Boomers and Beyond on May 22
  • Senior Idol Talent Show with Councilor Ayanna Pressley on May 24
  • Sweating with the Seniors with E-5 Community Service Officers – May 26
  • Hollywood, Here I Come! Senior Prom Dance & Luncheon on May 27

All ages and backgrounds are invited to participate in any of the SeniorPalooza activities to celebrate Older Americans Month.  Events are open to the public and most of the events are free to attend. Many require a reservation as space is limited. The SeniorPalooza 2010 calendar will be distributed at community meetings in West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park and Mattapan. You also may visit local businesses and community sites to pick up a copy of the calendar.