May 3, 2024 Older Americans Award Ceremony

The Agency on Elderly Affairs (AEA) invites the public to attend the Older Americans Award ceremony on Friday, May 3, at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort and Spa in Līhu‘e. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m., and is free and open to the public.

Additionally, the public may purchase tickets to the luncheon held at 11 a.m., following the ceremony. To purchase a ticket, please contact Lainee Carvalho at 808-241-4486. The deadline to RSVP is April 26, 2024.

AEA celebrates Older Americans Month every May and this year eleven older Americans will be recognized: Allen Hom, Beverly A. Gotelli, Bonnie Lake, Carol K. Yotsuda, Gordon K. Doo, Jane E. Goldsmith, Kimo K. Keawe, Maura Sabado, Paula M. Schultz, Veronica B. Carillio, and Zenon Wong.

Two honorees, male and female, will also be revealed at the ceremony to represent Kaua‘i at the State Recognition Ceremony held on June 7, 2024, on O‘ahu.

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM 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,” said Kealoha Takahashi, Executive for the Agency on Elderly Affairs. “It's about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being.” According to Takahashi, by recognizing and nurturing the role that connection plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting healthy aging for more Americans.

Photo Caption:
Older Americans being recognized this year, pictured from left to right: Front row – Gordon K. Doo, Maura Sabado, Veronica B. Carillio; Middle Row: Carol K. Yotsuda, Beverly A. Gotelli, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, Paula M. Schultz; Back row – Bonnie Lake, Allen Hom, Zenon Wong, Jane E. Goldsmith, and Kimo K. Keawe.

How can community groups, businesses, and organizations mark OAM?

• Spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection through professional and personal networks.

• Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.
• Promote opportunities to engage, like cultural activities, recreational programs, and interactive virtual events.
• Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, that can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.
• Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults, or youths.

What can individuals do to connect?

• Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities in your community. 
• Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.
• Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the Agency on Elderly Affairs at 808-241-4470 or email elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

For more information about Older Americans Month, visit the official OAM website. For more information on Agency on Elderly Affairs, call 808-241-4470, email elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov, or visit www.kauaiadrc.org.