Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is celebrated every May. This is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

This year’s theme, "Powered by Connection" focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults — a relationship underscored by the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.

It's not just about having someone to chat with, it's about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. NNV recognizes and nurtures the role that connectedness plays. Each week this month, we will highlight ways our members and volunteers are mitigating loneliness and promoting healthy aging.

-----

If you want it, create it!
By Bobbie Messalle

“Where’d everybody go?” I mused. It was the end of the pandemic and as a bit of an introvert, the isolation had not challenged me. But, as life slowly returned to normal, I wanted some socialization. It seemed my social circle had diminished while we were isolated in our sterile cocoons. Friends had moved to warmer climates, back to hometowns, closer to grandchildren, or to retirement communities. Sadly, a few had passed away, like my brother and only sibling. I wasn’t lonely but as a child-free divorcee I felt alone. I needed local connections.

I set about researching social groups and venues for making connections with folks my own age. It’s my good luck to live in a great neighborhood full of interesting people, many of whom are from different countries or who have lived abroad. I enjoy exploring other cultures, have traveled extensively, and consider sampling the local cuisine an essential part of experiencing diverse cultures.

As a longtime resident of Tenleytown, I joined the Northwest Neighbors Village (NNV) But, given we were just pulling out of the pandemic, I felt NNV’s offerings were appropriately focused on health care. I wanted a broader social life. After a few months of waiting, I said to myself “If you want it, create it!” And I did just that!

I suggested to NNV leadership that I organize and host a monthly lunch at different local ethnic restaurants. We could call it Foods of the World and I would patronize local, accessible ethnically diverse restaurants. My idea was accepted, and the series has been on-going for well over a year. We’ve had a few glitches: the pandemic forced some closures and stopped lunch services, somewhat limiting our choices. But we’re carrying on and enjoying ourselves. To date, we’ve sampled Lebanese, Thai, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Uyghur, Indian, and an American diner.

Connections are being made. We’re getting to know each other and look forward to meeting each month. I’m enjoying the connections I have made, and having so many new people recognize me at other NNV events. I feel like I am living in a real community, full of friendly, welcoming, and interesting people because of NNV. All are welcome to join us, especially if you need some connections.

-----

The next Foods of the World lunch organized by Bobbie is at Guapo's in Tenleytown for a slightly late Cinco de Mayo celebration on Wednesday, May 8^th. Click here to join in and make some connections!