By Oniska Blevins
The Selma Times-Journal

Throughout the month of May high school and college seniors are recognized for their scholastic achievements. However, seniors are another group recognized and celebrated in May.

May is national Older Americans Month, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is partnering with the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging to host
The conference will be Tuesday, May 22 at the Carl Morgan Convention Center from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The title for this year’s conference is Making the Older Years Golden and the theme is “Engage at Every Age”.

Callie Nelson, county extension coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said the goal of the conference is to provide senior citizens with the tools to continue living an even longer healthier life.

“The program started about 27 years ago to celebrate Older Americans Month,” Nelson said.

There will be several activities including a dance around the maypole, Spring hat contest, pie baking contest and door prizes.

“We’re going to focus on having a lot of fun,”Nelson said.

The cost is $5 for people 59 and under, but free for anyone 60 and above.

Lunch will be provided for all participants, and vendors will be present to provide different health tips for a longer life.

In addition to all the fun, Nelson said the county extension office was responsible for securing the three speakers for the event.
Nelson will serve as one of the speakers and will speak on how to keep a healthy home to prevent slips and falls.

Brenda Cherry, Red Cross Volunteer Trainer, will speak on how focusing on volunteerism keeps the mind engaged. Mamie Solomon, a retired educator, will get the group up and moving during her “move it and grove it” segment. Solomon will focus on the importance of staying engaged and being active.

Nelson said the organizations are expecting at least 250-300 people to attend the conference.