May is known for many celebrations – May Day, Mothers Day, carefree daydreams of warm days to come, and Older Americans Month.  While we often associate spring with new growth and appreciate all things young, our senior citizens are to be celebrated for their decades of mentoring families, communities, and society.

The Administration on Aging (AoA) has issued a theme for Older Americans Month – “Never Too Old to Play” encouraging older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and communities.

 In an article from AARP, a 90 year-old was interviewed and asked, “What is it that makes you excited to wake up each day?  What keeps you going?”  Robert answered, “The key is to always have something to look forward to – and if you don’t have anything, make something, whether it’s a vacation or just a dinner date.”  His wife, Judy, stated “That’s why I always keep my calendar near the phone – to pencil in something to look forward to, be it tomorrow, next week, or next month.”

Robert went on to share that he wanted to go steady with Judy (over 60 years ago) because they laughed and had fun wherever they went!

On money, Robert said something very profound – “From the cradle to the grave, the money that matters most, is the money you gave.”  He laughs when he shares that the $10 bill he gives to his grandchildren in an airport may not mean much to the child.  What he understands is the immense joy it gives him.

Considering that our seniors are often the caregivers of their grandchildren, play should be very important in their lives.  Children learn important life skills from playing – skills like teamwork, sharing, helping someone younger, smaller, or less fortunate.  Play has rules but also encourages laughter and FUN.  More than 78% of all caregivers are female.  Many of these women care for young children, are married, continue to work, suffer from depression, and provide $450 billion worth of unpaid care annually.  Finding that place in their days where they are happy is vital.

With 7.5 million grandchildren in the United States living with a grandparent, the financial impact is staggering.  Some of these grandparents have had to change their living arrangements.  Additionally, 85% expect to pay some or all of their grandchildren’s educational expenses.  What the grandchildren bring to this scenario is their free-spirited, unabashed capability to play.  Their energy and pure joy is a wellspring of renewal for the spirits of their elders.

As we age, play may no longer mean being involved in physical sports.  Finding pleasure in telling a funny story or sharing an experience of happiness can be playful.  An old song, maybe to include dancing to it, brings joy.  The warm, genuine smile of a stranger is a welcome pleasure to most ages.  To a senior, it is a validation of their existence.  We cannot walk in the shoes of our elderly; but we can display kindness and appreciation for their contributions.

In Robert’s words, “Do what you can to make people smile.  Smiling faces always find a welcome.”

Kathy Allen has a B.A. in Communication from the University of Colorado. Kathy lives in Colorado Springs with her husband of 41 years.  Her work at Silver Key Senior Services brings her humility and insight into the plight of aging gracefully.