Did you know that every August 21, we are on pause to honor our seniors for National Senior Citizens Day? Well, you do now! Today we can all take a moment to applaud the wisdom, acknowledge the resilience, and celebrate the lifelong contributions of older adults. Here in the NEK, this celebration is more than symbolic, as seniors truly are the heartbeat of our community.
The recent U.S. Census data shows that 23.9% of residents in Orleans County and an even more remarkable 28.5% in Essex County are aged 65 or older (data.census.gov). When you compare that to Vermont’s statewide average of 19.4%, the NEK clearly shines as a region shaped and strengthened by its most long-lived members. What’s more, is these numbers are more than a demographic, they represent a culture and, in our case, many of the vibrant pillars of our community.
What are some of the best ways to recognize those who are making up some of the most valued places in our communities? Here are some ways to embrace the 65+ people in your life or even those you may not know, in thoughtful, joyful, and meaningful ways:
· Community Collaborations: Host coffee mornings, storytelling hours, or intergenerational events at local hubs. Join an older friend at their favorite places like The Wellness Center or senior centers in Newport, Barton Meal Sites, and beyond. Provide transportation and companionship to appointments or errands, better yet, ask them if they have other friends who may also need or want to tag along too!
· Health and Wellness Opportunities: The Wellness Center champions age-inclusive classes—no limits, no judgments. Fitness is for every age! Yet many seniors hesitate, fearing injuries that could compromise their independence. Sharing success stories—“I haven’t laughed or danced this much in years!” Welcoming this lifestyle has opportunities and offers gentle strength or balance classes that can dispel those worries and actually increase independence.
· At-Home Support Services: Programs like the Senior Helpline and outreach through Rural Community Transportation (RCT) play critical roles. Volunteer
programs, from organized community partners to even church groups, have opportunities to drop-off meals, visit with people and offer companionship. Vermontpuplic.org talks about Essex County in particular making up most of Vermont’s gray hairs, and they share there are personalized “options counseling” where people can have trained staff meet seniors at home to help explore care or support choices—brings both dignity and empowerment which is something we all want!
· Meal Programs: Nourishing the body and the spirit. Who doesn’t appreciate hot meals and warm conversation. We all know that rising food costs strain existing programs, however there are many food security options from monthly church meals at The United Church of Newport, The Episcopal Church of Newport, Weekly Barton Mealsite Meals, Monthly Veggie Van Go drive up resources and many more. Look around for what works best to ensure that the seniors in your life are well fed and consider sharing a meal with them! No one likes to eat alone!
· Be A Friend: In sparsely populated areas, like ours, loneliness can creep in before you know it. If you can visit your senior friends and family, connect them to senior centers, community groups, online or on-paper intergenerational pen-pal projects, and even reach out to friends who may have younger ones who want to adopt-a-grandparent, these are all great options. We need friendships and for those who are outliving their friends and family, it can be lonesome – be someone who offers friendship and companionship when you can.
Why do these “celebrations” that may seem like more long-term commitments matter? Because our seniors matter and they embody decades of history, community building, service, craftsmanship, education, and community care. There is also something invaluable to the insight, mentorship and friendship that can come from not turning away from our older generations. When seniors reach their “golden years,” they may feel like a nuisance, and that their only interactions are birthdays and doctor’s appointments, which isn’t fun for anyone. Recognizing their dignity and supporting their health helps preserve both their legacy and our communal fabric but also brings more meaning into their lives in their continued chapters.
At The Wellness Center, we offer very few “senior” classes, because we love the no-age gap classes that not only build strength, mobility, and confidence, but also build meaningful and worthwhile connections and friendships.
This year lets start today, by making National Senior Citizens Day, and every day, a celebration of possibility, connection, and well-being. In the NEK with its rich mix of age and experience, we don’t just support our seniors—we uplift our shared future. This is the silver lining of living amongst our seniors.