Breaking the Age Barrier
At age 99, Violet Hensley played the Grand Ole Opry. Celebrate her and other senior icons this May during Older Americans Month.
Many people accomplish incredible feats in their eighties, nineties and beyond. Violet Hensley, a world renowned fiddle player and maker from the Ozarks, played the Grand Ole Opry at age 99. Ninety-year-old Dottie Gray of Kirkwood, Missouri, runs a 5K almost every weekend. Beatrice Normadine Scott of Joplin achieved her lifelong goal of a college degree in her late 80s.
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Those three women and others are breaking the age barrier and changing the meaning of aging. They will be recognized during Older Americans Month, an annual nationwide event that pays homage to older people every May. Go to health.mo.gov to read their stories.
“Getting older doesn’t mean what it used to,” said Mary Schaefer, executive director of Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA). “MEAAA provides services to older adults year-round, but this month we focus on how older adults live their lives with boldness, confidence and passion, while serving as an inspiration to people of all ages.”
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John F. Kennedy first proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in 1963. U.S. presidents ever since have designated the month as a time to honor older people for the important role they play in passing on their experience, wisdom and understanding to other generations. This year’s theme is “Age Out Loud.”
Founded in 1973, the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging is the area’s leading source for unbiased and comprehensive information on local senior services to help people find senior housing, benefits information, transportation, caregiver services and much more. MEAAA also provides supportive services through its 21 senior centers in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Persons age 60 and over and their caregivers, may access a wide range of programming, from assistance with Medicare and health insurance questions, to exercise and social opportunities, transportation services, energy and legal assistance, disaster preparedness and assistance with acquiring medical equipment and supplies. MEAAA also serves as a Marketplace Navigator for the Affordable Care Act, providing assistance with selecting a health plan or completing an application for all ages.
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