May is Older Americans Month

The CNMI joins the rest of the United States in celebrating the contributions and achievements of the elderly population as the entire nation observes May as Older Americans Month/Mes Man’amko/Maramal Tuufey.

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos yesterday signed the proclamation at the Office on Aging, kicking off the month-long celebration also aimed at encouraging active lifestyles and community involvement among the islands’ older adults aged 60 and older, who now total 4,766.

“I encourage every citizen to take time this month to honor our older citizens through enjoyable interactions such as sports, games, contests, and other forms of play,” Inos said as he signed the proclamation.

Aging Center client Ana T. Perry read the proclamation in Chamorro, while Saipan Seniors Advisory Council treasurer Christiana Michael and president Teresita Sorroza read it in Carolinian and English, respectively.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Never Too Old to Play.”

“Indeed, we are never too old to fulfill our heart’s desire,” said council vice president Maria T. Salinas. “I hope that our people will continue to give us our well-deserved recognition and respect for the reason that it is vital to continue the tradition and respect for the elders.”

Aging director Rose Mondala, for her part, said that the theme highlights the importance of having the man’amko stay healthy, “engaged” and “active” in their own lives and the communities to which they belong.

“I am certain that we will continue to strive and improve our program specifically to allow our clients to remain healthy,” she added.

Besides Aging Center clients and staff, other elected officials and government employees also witnessed yesterday’s ceremony, including former Aging director and incumbent Rep. Joseph Palacios, special assistant for administration Esther Fleming, representatives of Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao.

Faisao, in his remarks, noted that the administration is doing its part to work with its various partners and providers to ensure that the man’amko have access to quality and affordable healthcare—a preventive measure to address non-communicable and chronic diseases that affect the elderly.

“And the work we do to support healthy aging also presents us with an opportunity to reshape our communities to promote better health at every age, so that every man’amko in the CNMI is never too old to play,” he said.

To celebrate Older Americans Month, the Office on Aging has lined up several activities for the man’amko, including a ground golf tournament, Man’amko Take over Day, health challenge, pool tournament, talent competition, Conference on Aging, and the Man’amko King & Queen.