May 2018: Older Americans Month and Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The month of May is proclaimed Older Americans Month throughout the nation. The theme for 2018, Engage at Every Age, emphasizes that one is ever too old to take part in wellness activities that can improve one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and celebrates the countless ways older Americans make a difference in our communities.

The month of May also is recognized as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, in celebration of the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States in May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Western Missouri

• Join Kansas City’s aging experts, advocates, and innovators for an Innovation in Aging event presented by Aging2.0. This free event presents speakers covering topics related to aging and innovation, followed by in-depth discussion. The event occurs on May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is located on the first floor of the GlynnDevins office at 8880 Ward Parkway.
• The 2018 Mid-American Asian Cultural Festival returns on Saturday, May 12. Activities include meetings with special guests, move stars, Asian food tastings, martial arts demonstrations, -yo-yo demonstrations, and many children’s activities. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center located at 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas.

Central Missouri

• Columbia Senior Activity Center is hosting a Senior Living Education Fair. The Fair will take place on Monday, May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Columbia Senior Activity Center Multipurpose Room, located at 1121 Business Loop 70 East. This free workshop will provide you with the tools to expand your knowledge to ensure you are receiving all your Medicare benefits and to know when and if you can make changes to your Medicare coverage.

Eastern Missouri

• The St. Louis Agency on Aging (SLAAA) is proud to announce the 21^st annual “Spring Jubilee” in celebration of Older Americans Month in May. This year’s event will take place on Friday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Upsilon Omega Foundation, 3900 Goodfellow Boulevard. Doors will be open at 9:30 a.m., and this event is free to all City of St. Louis residents who are 60 years old or older.
• St. Louis is the proud host of one of the most prestigious Senior Games in the country. With the help of over 200 volunteers, more than 1,100 athletes are able to participate in ninety events. The St. Louis “J”, Jewish Community Center, is hosting the 39^th annual St. Louis Senior Olympics. The Senior Olympics will take place from May 24 through May 29, with the registration deadline ending on May 2.

• Join the Japan American Society of St. Louis for A Celebration of Japanese Culture on May 6 at 11 a.m. for an afternoon of family fun at the Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. This free event includes a tea ceremony demonstration, kamishibai storytelling, and a shishimai lion dance. For more information, call 314-516-5754.

Visit these resources to learn more about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States:

• The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is dedicated to connecting people through the uniquely American stories of Asian Americans. For additional detail and resources, visit online.
• Learn about the legislative history of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, obtain educational materials, or view on-topic videos by visiting online.
• Read more about Asian Pacific Americans in the United States Army from the Civil War to Overseas Contingency Operations through the years.

For resources on the contributions of older adults in Missouri, visit one of our regional agencies on aging:

• Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging, serves Atchison, Nodaway, Worth, Harrison, Putnam, Holt, Andrew, Gentry, Buchanan, DeKalb, Clinton, Davies, Caldwell, Grundy, Livingston, Sullivan, Linn, and Mercer counties.
• Northeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging, serves Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, and Warren counties.
• Mid-America Regional Council, serves Platte, Clay, Ray, Jackson, and Cass counties
• Care Connection, serving Carroll, Chariton, Lafayette, Saline, Johnson, Pettis, Bates, Henry, Vernon, St. Clair, Cedar, Benton, and Hickory counties.
• Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging, serves Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Howard, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Morgan, Moniteau, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties.
• Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, serves St. Charles, St. Louis County, Franklin, and Jefferson counties.
• St. Louis Area Agency on Aging, serves the City of St. Louis
• Area Agency on Aging Region X, serves Barton, Jasper, Newton, and McDonald counties.
• Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, serves Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Lawrence, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, and Wright counties.
• Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging, serves St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Iron, Reynolds, Madison, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Wayne, Carter, Ripley, Butler, Stoddard, Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, and Dunklin counties.

Useful information for older Missourians and their families may be found by visiting the following:

• The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services provides information on independent living, employment, elder abuse, and much more.
• The Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging provides older residents with details on a variety of subjects, including home-delivered meals, transportation, and care coordination.
• Eldercare Locator connects those in need with services for older adults and their families. You can search by location or topic, including financial and legal assistance, housing options, health insurance, and volunteerism. You can also utilize this service by calling 800-677-1116.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Aging has a wealth of information and resources for older adults and their families. To learn more about the history of Older Americans Month, or to obtain materials and gather ideas to help your organization celebrate this observance, visit the website.