Self-portrait: Older Americans

May is “Older Americans Month.” (OA) Let’s celebrate, like we do when National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month rolls around, along with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, and Brain Awareness and World Breastfeeding weeks. (Note which body parts receive recognition for the longest time periods.)

This year’s theme for OA’s is, “Never too old to play.” The official calender lists “Trivia Fun” as today’s activity. So far this morning I’ve walked three miles, taken a Feldenkrais class, and answered a few of my sixty emails. Left to do is wrap up this blog, make corrections to a short story due today for my writing class’ anthology, practice music, complete my physical therapy exercises, and finish a homework assignment to turn in when I attend my three-hour class tonight. It’s going to be tough to squeeze in Trivia Fun. Fortunately, no one I know is aware of the OA calendar, so it’s unlikely I’ll have to turn down an invitation.

But wait. There’s still hope that this OA may take part in something related to the only month dedicated to me and others in the same age group. It comes in the form of a suggestion from the Hope Health Letter, which says May is “a time to show appreciation and support for seniors.” Gee, a fun idea, but I really, really hope no one comes up to me this month and says, “I appreciate you, Older American.”

Given that there’s no turning back in life, I want every month designated Older Americans Month — I’m also willing to expand it to include people of other ages and other countries — and every month filled with physical activity, mental challenges, good meals, good wine, friends, laughter and fun. Put these on my calendar and count me in.