Age-Friendly Athens County

At this year's Senior Day event, we invited people to add a flower to a Garden of Wisdom.

On one side, they shared something they know a lot about. On the other, something they would still like to learn.

The responses were a reminder that learning doesn't stop with age. Participants shared knowledge ranging from gardening and genealogy to sign language, woodworking, photography, and cooking. They also expressed curiosity about topics like AI, technology, learning a new language, and healthy eating.

An age-friendly community recognizes that people of all ages have wisdom to share and opportunities to keep learning.

What would you add to the garden?

One of Athens’ long-running summer traditions returns this month.

Under the Elms offers free outdoor concerts on the Ohio University campus every Thursday evening in June and early July. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the trees.

Events like Under the Elms help create opportunities for social connection, lifelong learning, and community engagement, all of which contribute to an age-friendly community.

This year's concerts are Thursdays at 7:00 PM:
• June 11 – Favorites
• June 18 – Music from the Stage and Screen
• June 25 – With Summer Music Academy
• July 2 – Independence Day Celebration with Rod Miller as John Philip Sousa

Learn more: https://www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/music/live

Intergenerational storytelling helps strengthen connection, belonging, and understanding across generations, all important parts of building an age-friendly community.

During this free intergenerational storytelling workshop, participants will explore climate justice in Southeastern Ohio through poetry, performance, movement, and digital storytelling.

When: June 2. 3 and 4 from 10 AM–2 PM with Community sharing on June 4 from 5–6:30 PM
Where: Around Athens & Ohio University (locations TBD)

This workshop is facilitated by professional theatre-makers Lily Odekirk and Mateo Hernandez, along with OU Professor Sarah Ramey, in partnership with Ohio University Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts.

To sign up, email:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Senior Day is almost here!

Age-Friendly Athens County will be there with an interactive activity and a big reminder: older adults are people with knowledge, skills, stories, and curiosity.

Hosted by United Seniors of Athens County, Senior Day is a great chance to connect with local organizations, learn about resources, and celebrate older adults in our community.

We hope to see you there!

Community Food Initiatives is hosting a Plant Start Giveaway & Potluck on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at 94 Columbus Rd. in Athens (ACEnet). Rain date is May 21.

Access to fresh food, opportunities to gather, and spaces that bring people together all help make a community more age-friendly.

Our friends at Age-Friendly Delaware County put together a short video sharing how SourcePoint approaches age-friendly efforts in their community.

It’s always helpful to see how other communities are putting these ideas into practice.

Take a few minutes to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LmH3KycXP0

AGE-FRIENDLY ATHENS COUNTY CORNER
Athens County is part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, an effort to help people stay active, engaged, and supported as they grow older. Needs and routines may change with age, but that should not mean feeling left out or disconnected.

May's feature: Rural Action's Medical Donation Program

May is Older Americans Month! This year's theme is "Champion Your Health"

Champion your health in ways that feel meaningful to you. In Athens County, that might look like gardening, visiting a local market, or enjoying fresh foods at home. Small, everyday choices support lifelong wellness.

Join NAMI Athens and Recovery Connections of Southeast Ohio for a free flower arrangement workshop. Create a bouquet to gift or keep, and enjoy a welcoming space to connect with others.

All flowers and materials are provided.

Friday, May 8
5–7 pm
17 Blue Line Drive, Athens

Spots are limited, so be sure to RSVP! [email protected] or 740-300-1611

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, join NAMI Athens every Tuesday in May for four powerful cinematic journeys of the mind.

This series places depictions of mental health center-frame, inviting the community to openly acknowledge mental health and challenge the stigma that surrounds it.

Admission is FREE and open to the public. Tickets are required

All film screening events begin at 7:00 p.m. and will feature guest speakers who will give a pre-show presentation