Powered By Connections

Our daily life is full of things that are powered by connections; our cell phone, internet, tablet, the list goes on and on; but what about the things that really matter? What powers your mind and body? Your social connections and meaningful relationships have a profound impact on your health and well-being. Sometimes we need to disconnect from our devices to connect with the ones that are really important.

That is the theme for this year's Older American's Month and the Richland County Commission on Aging is providing you with an opportunity to reconnect with friends and make some new ones. On May 31, the COA is inviting seniors age 60+ to bring a friend or family member for an afternoon of food, fun and great information to help you stay connected to your peers. If you don't have someone to join you, that's OK; there will be plenty of people to connect with.

Here is what you can look for at this year's event:

1. A great lunch prepared by the cooks that serve the Sidney and Fairview Senior Centers. The lunch is free of charge to seniors and their guests although there will be a free-will offering.

2. Information to keep you connected year-round. Come and learn about opportunities to put your experience to work helping others or find out what upcoming area events have been crafted just for seniors.

3. Fun and games! Pick up a paddle and learn to play Pickleball or dust off your invisible bowling ball and challenge a friend to a game of Xbox Kinnect bowling (or any other sport you want to try). If you're looking for more familiar games, we'll have a lot of the classics in a fun, giant format.

4. Important routine health screenings for blood pressure, oxygen, and heart rate.

This year's event will mark the RCCOA's 3rd annual Older American's Month celebration and we are hoping this will be the best one so far. The entire day is designed to help you form new relationships and strengthen the ones you already have. We hope to see as we celebrate being "Powered by Connection".

Event details: May 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Aging Services and Transit Center, 2190 W Holly St., Sidney

To help us prepare for lunch and seating, an RSVP is appreciated although it is not required. To register for this year's event, you can visit the Commission on Aging page at http://www.richland.org or you can call the office at 406-433-3701.