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In 1988, Aug. 21 was proclaimed National Seniors Day by President Ronald Reagan.
According to Reagan, "Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today and gives us ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to our land."
Almost 36 years have passed since its inception and Reagan's words still ring true.
With National Seniors Day falling in what is now considered National Wellness Month, some ways to celebrate is by being active and participating in community events.
You can always visit people from our agency, Direct-ion Home of Eastern Ohio, in the Medical Building at the Canfield Fair which will take place from Aug. 28 until Sept. 2. On its opening day, senior citizen admission will be $4.
Direction Home, along with other vendors, will have special screenings and visitors set up specifically for those older adults on Senior Day.
There will be things like blood pressure checks, "ask a doctor" and more.
In the morning at our booth, we will have Lisa Dalga from the Senior Medicare Patrol, Melanie, a long-term care ombudsman and Jen, a long-term care consultant.
Lisa will be there to help answer questions to prevent Medicare fraud. Melanie helps to advocate for receiving long-term care in any setting, including their own home, nursing home, assisted living, group home and those enrolled in MyCare Ohio. Jen offers in-home consultations that help individuals understand how to meet current or future long-term care needs.
They are all excellent resources that can help you or someone you love. If you cannot make it in the morning, you can get great information on other days and times from many different individuals from within our agency and others.
In addition to the walking and activities of Older Adults Day Out and Senior Day at the Canfield Fair, staying active is important. Finding something you enjoy is essential to staying healthy and having your wellness be at its best.
Starting this month, we have a Matter of Balance class taking place at the Austintown Senior Center and the Girard Multi-Generational Center and Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance class at Ohio Living Vivo Center, Austintown Senior Center and the New Springfield Fire Station. These might all be opportunities you or someone you love can enjoy.
And remember when President Reagan made Proclamation 5847, he said, "For all they have achieved throughout life and for all the continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and heartfelt salute."
Mallory Wiand is the Wellness and HEAP coordinator at Direction Home of Eastern Ohio. Contact the office at 330-505-2300 for information regarding senior-based services and opportunities in the Mahoning Valley.