Globally, the population of older adults is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050, universally shifting socioeconomic, cultural and health care systems in the process.
This October 1st, International Older Persons Day, let’s celebrate the richness seniors add to our lives and community while recognizing the need to address aging’s challenges and opportunities; advocate for improved inclusion and wellbeing for older adults; and create a safe world where seniors live independently in dignity.
For charities like Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate, where seniors are celebrated daily, October 1st helps us shine a light on the vibrant, diverse and caring place we’ve created for you to make friends, enjoy nourishing meals, receive caring support, learn something new and celebrate life.
It allows us to let seniors, caregivers and the community know about our direct financial assistance and mental health programs; seminars, fitness and art classes; enrichment and self-care offerings; holiday and birthday celebrations; medical services, research programs, advocacy and hurricane/disaster preparedness efforts. It provides us the opportunity to ask the community to support senior programs across Collier County by giving time, talent and/or treasure to ensure the wellbeing of older adults. And, to invite older adults to discover YOUR Collier senior center: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 4898 Coronado Parkway. Membership is free and open to all Collier County adults 60 years of age and older. To learn more, call 239-252-4541, or visit CollierSeniorCenter.org.
Esther Lully, MSML, Senior Center director, Collier Senior Center—Golden Gate