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Tuesday, May 23 Pasadena Celebrated Older Americans

Over 300 attendees participated in the second annual Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month resource fair at McDonald Park. The national observance of Older Americans Month was conceived by The Federal Administration for Community Living and this year their theme was “Aging Unbound.”

The event was hosted by Pasadena Village and Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services through the Senior Commission, and presented by Home Instead-Pasadena. Additional sponsors included Anthem Blue Cross, Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries, Han Research Lab, Huntington Health, Kaiser Permanente, Pegasus Home Health Care, and Villa Gardens. The Older Adults Resource fair could not have been possible without the financial contributions of all 28 sponsors. Over 50 exhibitors assembled for the purpose of connecting community members with the plethora of resources that are available to support older adults. Although the weather was overcast and chilly, everyone enjoyed the refreshments and connections. View all of the sponsors and exhibitors here. 

Katie Brandon, the Executive Director of Pasadena Village and member of the Pasadena Senior Commission, served as MC for the event. Pasadena Village connects aging-in-place older adults with each other and the resources we need to live interdependently here in our community.  Katie emphasized the importance of building community and commented, “As we strive to redefine aging at Pasadena Village, we find preparedness and relationships with service providers are key. We don’t know and often can’t control what may happen as we age, but we can find out now what options are available and who we can call when a situation changes.”

Vice Mayor Felicia Williams welcomed everyone to the celebration from the stage. In addition, Councilmembers Gene Masuda, Tyron Hampton, and Jessica Rivas, along with Senior Commission Vice Chair Howie Zechner, and Chair Chelsea Mason introduced themselves and communicated their commitment to improving the lives of seniors in the area.

We were challenged to acknowledge everyone’s diverse experiences of aging and how our community can work together to combat stereotypes. The Pasadena Senior Commission and Pasadena Village both work to examine preconceived notions of what it means to be an older adult, and both embrace the necessity of diverse perspectives in the mission to support a better quality of life for all older adults.

Exhibitors brought helpful giveaways such as hand sanitizer, pill containers, flexible ice bags, and tote bags. Everyone was invited to spin the Prize Wheel and win an array of grand prizes including a TV donated by Senior Living Placement, gift baskets, and many bottles of wine. Information was presented on enrollment into Medi-Cal/Medicare and how to use the transit system.  The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center demonstrated stretches and moves to keep us limber. Sandwiches and fruit were provided along with hot coffee, a special treat on a chilly day.

Pasadena Transit Dial-A-Ride offered free rides to residents ages 60+ who are Dial-a-Ride members. (To apply for Dial-A-Ride membership, call 626- 791-7200. For all transportation inquiries, visit Pasadena Transit Website.)

We learned that Pasadena resources for older adults include world-class healthcare facilities, a vibrant art and culture community, accessible public transportation, numerous senior living communities, and many organizations focused on maintaining the health and well-being of older residents. With over 50 exhibitors, we know many learned of options that are available in our community.