A New Beginning Adult Daycare Center in Troy was the place to be during the month of May as the center celebrated Older Americans Month.

“The theme for Older Americans Month 2013 is ‘Unleash the Power of Age,’” said Patricia Wright, center director. “During the month, we put a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom and understanding and passing that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways.”

Wright said this year’s celebrations recognized the value that older adults continue to bring to their community through participation in social and faith groups, service organization and other activities.

“As large numbers of baby-boomers reach retirement ages, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults,” Wright said. “Many of the baby-boomers remain physically and socially active throughout their 80s and beyond. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for a growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, on-line social networking, as well as arts and recreational groups.”

Lifelong participation in social, creative and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities, Wright said.

“But older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community,” she said. “Studies show that the interaction of older adults with their families, friends and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved.

Young people, who have significant relationships with a grandparent or another older adult, say that these relationships helped shape their values, goals and life choices. Those relationships also gave them a sense of identity and roots.”

Wright said A New Beginning Adult Daycare Center provides year-round services and support to older Americans, but the month of May was a special time of celebration at the center with Old Fashion Day, Taste and See Burger Day, a lemonade and fruit social event and an outdoor barbecue.