Every May, the Administration for Community Living spearheads Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, Connect, Create, Contribute, perfectly aligns with the goals we have at the Levittown Public Library. We consistently provide a range of experiences that encourage our community members to better connect with family, friends, and local service organizations, which includes hosting programs geared towards creativity, enrichment, wellness, and giving back.
We have a thriving community of active seniors here in the Levittown area. We see them on a regular basis; whether they’re attending one of our many programs or stopping in to check out materials, they are one of our most devoted groups of users.
In recognition of Older Americans Month, we have a full slate of programs throughout May that are meant to help our community members “connect, create, and contribute.” First up is a virtual reality experience that will allow users to travel to a faraway location, climb Mount Everest, or paint on a canvas (May 7th at 10:30 a.m.). Although this might initially seem like a strange pairing–senior citizens with a cutting-edge technology–virtual reality has proven to be a beneficial tool for older adults, especially those with limited mobility and/or diminished cognition. Staff members will be on hand to assist with the technology, so this is a great opportunity to try something new and exciting in a safe environment. The following week, representatives from Nationwide Mortgage and New York Life Insurance will provide information about reverse mortgages and insurance options (including long term care), respectively (May 16th at 10:30 a.m.). For those who enjoy using their hands, Shirley Ruby will lead students as they paint a lovely floral design on a cup and plate (May 17th at 2:00 p.m.) and chef Rob Scott will demonstrate how to make a delicious Blueberry Buckle (May 28th at 1:30 p.m.). Lastly, Frances Christ will demonstrate the many uses of the iPhone, from connecting with loved ones to ordering groceries, and of course, getting help in case of an emergency (May 30th at 10:30 a.m.). All programs require pre-registration, so those interested should consult our newsletter or contact the Library for more information. Each patron will be allowed to register up to 2 people, so bring a friend with you! Light refreshments will also be provided.
There is no doubt that aging can be difficult and stressful. The good news is that there are many organizations dedicated to easing the process. The Administration for Community Living provides a list of resources to help older Americans connect, create, and contribute. Not only is the Library a great place for community members to socialize and find materials, such as books, movies, and CDs, to remain stimulated, but it’s also a conduit to more resources, thanks to our many databases that provide information on topics ranging from health and wellness to horticulture and finance. For help navigating, our librarians are available to help with any questions you might have along the way. We’re all in this together.
Happy Reading,
Jess
